King Tides Bring High Water to Charleston
Charleston is no stranger to the ocean’s whims, and this past weekend was a prime example as the city experienced the phenomenon known as king tides. On Friday, September 20, 2024, families braved the wet conditions as kids joyfully ran across flooded streets, playing on Hagood Avenue while the tide reached a staggering 7.74 feet around 9:55 a.m.
What Are King Tides?
For those unfamiliar, king tides are the highest astronomical tides of the year, typically occurring six to eight times annually. These tides can lead to minor flooding, especially in low-lying areas like the beautiful streets of Charleston. As this king tide cycle unfolded, city officials were busy monitoring rising water levels.
Water Levels and Warnings
As residents woke up on the morning of Saturday, September 21, a high tide of 7.9 feet was forecasted around 11 a.m. Just a day later, another tide at 7.8 feet was expected around noon. Flooding becomes a major concern for downtown Charleston when tides reach 8 feet, which we narrowly avoided this time around. However, those 7-foot tides can still lead to minor flooding, especially in prone areas.
Flood Impact and Local Response
As the tides rose on Friday, many of the city’s familiar spots were impacted. Roads like East Bay Street, Market Street, and Rutledge Avenue faced potential mid-morning flooding. Luckily, almost 50 downtown intersections managed to stay open but were under a “warning” status as of 8:30 a.m. in anticipation of flooding. City officials had already issued a coastal flood advisory between 8 a.m. and noon, acknowledging the high tide’s imminent impact.
The National Weather Service played a crucial role in keeping Charleston’s residents informed, providing updates about the expected water levels. Meteorologist Courtney Maskell shared that these advisories give a two-hour cushion before and after high tide peaks, so people can prepare and stay safe.
Understanding the Flooding
While minor flooding may not seem like a big deal, to those living in Charleston, it serves as a reminder of the city’s unique relationship with water. Friday’s king tide caused flooded waters around five inches deep on Hagood Avenue, making it a challenging situation for pedestrians.
City officials have implemented a virtual database, aptly named the TIDE eye site, where residents can stay up to date with active road closures and any ongoing flooding alerts. This is especially valuable for those who need to navigate the city amidst such weather challenges.
Looking Forward
As Charleston continues to navigate the ups and downs of changing tides, it’s crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared. King tides provide a glimpse into the city’s future, encouraging conversations about how to manage rising sea levels and prepare for more frequent flooding in the years to come.
As we wrap up this weekend’s king tides, let’s remember to respect Mother Nature and be aware of our surroundings. The tides may ebb and flow, but the spirit of Charleston certainly shines bright through every challenge faced. So, whether you’re dodging puddles or just enjoying the beauty of this remarkable city, let’s embrace all that Charleston has to offer—even the wet days.
