King Tides Send Seawater Into Coastal Streets From California to Florida

You may have heard a lot about king tides this week. These exceptionally high tides have been impacting both coasts of the U.S. in recent days, triggering flooding that has damaged homes and businesses. Here is the latest on where these tides are causing the most damage, as well as when they are expected to ease.

California Experiences Record King Tides

Coastal flooding has been an issue across large swaths of California, Florida, and the Southeast over the last few days. However, the flooding is not coming at the hands of heavy rain. Instead, high tides known as king tides are creating the problems.

King tides happen in conjunction with a full moon, enhancing the natural flow of water. The Hunter's Moon hit its full phase on Sunday evening along the West Coast and just after midnight on Monday on the East Coast. Just as the moon was reaching the full phase of its cycle, the winds and other ocean conditions were amplifying the natural rising of the tides.

These king tides sent seawater levels well higher than usual, pushing water onto roads and into homes and other structures. Video footage in Southern California showed the floodwaters knocking on the doorstep of coastal mansions. For instance, San Diego's tide gauge hit a top reading of 8.14 feet. This measurement was 1.5 feet above the forecast level and just over an inch below the record of 8.26 feet.

Coastal flood warnings remain in place for San Diego and Orange counties through midday Thursday. The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning that the high tides expected late Thursday morning could send water spilling into homes, businesses, and across critical infrastructure. Residents in Huntington Beach and Newport were forced to use pails to bail water out of buildings.

While the arrival of the king tides is not surprising, the severity of this week's event has surpassed predictions. The observed tides are running roughly 1.5 to 1.7 feet above the astronomical forecast. Shoreline erosion has also been a byproduct of these tides.

Record-high tides were confirmed in Los Angeles, as water levels hit 2.5 feet for three straight days. Water levels in San Francisco also eclipsed the previous October record on Tuesday.

Coastal flood advisories are in effect through at least Friday for much of the coastline. In addition to coastal erosion, residents are being told to be wary of flooded roadways and parking lots as unusually high tides wash up on shore.