Get Ready, Charleston! King Tides Are Here Again!
Hey folks! It’s that time of year in our beloved Charleston when the ocean decides it wants to come in a little stronger than usual. We’re talking about the much-discussed King Tides, which can really shake things up around town. So, grab your umbrellas and let’s dive into what these tides are all about!
What Are King Tides?
First off, let’s get to the basics. King Tides are those high tides that surge higher than what you’d call normal. They usually make their appearance during a full or new moon or even at specific points during the year. For Charleston, the average high tide is around 5.5 ft., but during a King Tide event, hold on to your hats because we can see levels soaring to 7 ft. or more!
Why Should You Care?
Well, if you live in a low-lying area of Charleston—or even on places like Seabrook Island and Johns Island—King Tides can lead to some serious flooding. That means road closures, messy detours, and potential damage to your property. It can be especially problematic if a King Tide rolls in with heavy rain or strong winds, so it’s a good idea to be prepared!
When Can We Expect the Next King Tides?
Mark your calendars! The remaining King Tides for 2024 are coming up from November 14 – 18. If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to start thinking about how you can keep your home safe and dry.
Prepping Your Home
Before those high waters hit, do yourself a favor: clear out any debris around the drains near your home. After all, we want those drains to do their job when the water starts rising! And if your place is prone to flooding, it wouldn’t hurt to prep the ground floor just in case.
Stay Safe Out There!
Now, a little heads-up from the good folks at the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT): always be cautious in areas where flooding is expected. Did you know that just 12 inches of water can sweep most cars away? And for those bigger SUVs or trucks, watch out for at least 2 feet of rushing water! It’s true—never drive around barricades or on roads where you can’t see the surface.
Rising Waters Can Be Dangerous
Remember, if you encounter floodwaters, don’t take the risk—turn around, don’t drown. Also, keep an eye on manhole covers; they may pop up due to the pressure from the water underneath.
Documenting the Impact
Here’s some interesting news: the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is actively working on the SC King Tides Initiative. Their mission? To document how these extreme tide events affect our lovely beaches, waterways, and even private property. Their work helps us understand the impact of these natural events and creates a roadmap for the future.
Keep Informed!
To stay in the loop about King Tides and how you can prepare, be sure to keep an eye out for updates. Remember that flooding can also happen with a regular high tide when that is combined with heavy rain and wind. So, Charleston, let’s gear up for those tides together!
In the spirit of community and safety, let’s make sure we watch out for one another while navigating through these King Tides together!
