Storm Off Florida Could Turn Subtropical Before Halloween

The end of October is going out on a spooky note in and around the Atlantic basin, right on theme as Halloween approaches. The ongoing King Tides have triggered minor to moderate coastal and tidal flooding while forecasters continue to monitor an area of potential tropical development by the end of the week. Here is the latest on what is happening in the Atlantic basin and how it is impacting the U.S.

Coastal Flooding a Threat

There is just over one month left in the Atlantic hurricane season. The official season runs through November 30, meaning this is not the time to let down your guard. Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) are monitoring an area near the Bahamas for potential development in the coming days.

The most pressing issue to start the week has been the ongoing King Tides that have crept up across many beaches in Florida and up into the Southeast. The persistent onshore flow is partnering with this tide cycle to cause water to pile up along this stretch of coastline, causing minor to moderate coastal flooding over the last few days. Monday marked the fifth consecutive day with water levels hitting over 2 feet above the ground.

Coastal Flood Warnings were in place for much of South Florida, Georgia, and the South Carolina Lowcountry. Low-lying neighborhoods and waterfront infrastructure are the most at risk. Local officials in South Florida are warning residents that the King Tides could send saltwater through storm drains and onto roadways across the communities of Miami Beach, Brickell, Fort Lauderdale, and down into the Florida Keys.

The current atmospheric elements in place will keep this flooding threat in place through the week. The compounding impacts of the water piling could worsen the situation in the coming days.

Tuesday's high tides could be particularly damaging. Places such as Charleston, South Carolina, will be in the bullseye of the highest tides. Charleston Harbor could see water levels hit the two-foot mark. The slow-moving nature of this system will amplify the flooding concerns farther inland away from the immediate coastal region.

In addition to the rain and the flooding concerns, winds of 20 to 25 mph, dangerous rip currents, and hazardous surf conditions will continue to impact a large swath of this coastline.