Coastal Flood Advisory: Historic Tides and Storm Surges Threaten U.S. Shorelines as NOAA Warns of 'Dangerous' Conditions—When Will the Worst Hit?

coastal flood advisory

NOAA has issued urgent warnings as a combination of powerful storm surges and exceptionally high astronomical tides, known as king tides, converge to threaten significant coastal flooding across multiple U.S. shorelines. Forecasters describe the potential for 'dangerous' conditions, urging residents and authorities in vulnerable areas from the Southeast to the Northeast to prepare immediately. These events, often termed 'sunny day flooding' even without rain, are becoming more frequent and severe due to rising sea levels exacerbated by climate change.

The core of the threat lies in the dangerous synergy. A powerful offshore storm system is driving substantial storm surge, pushing large volumes of water towards the coast. Simultaneously, the moon is in a phase that produces its highest tides of the year, creating an exceptionally high baseline water level. This combination means even moderate wave action or onshore winds can lead to water levels far exceeding normal high tides, inundating low-lying roads, neighborhoods, and critical infrastructure like drainage systems and power substations.

Areas particularly at risk include stretches of the Florida coast, the Gulf Coast, the Mid-Atlantic, and potentially parts of New England. The National Weather Service has issued Coastal Flood Advisories and Watches, with some locations under Flood Watches, indicating the potential for widespread or significant impacts. The worst impacts are expected to coincide with the high tide cycles over the next 48 hours, varying slightly by location. Coastal residents should monitor local forecasts closely, heed evacuation orders if issued, and move vehicles and valuables to higher ground well before the anticipated peak flooding times. This event underscores the growing and persistent challenge posed by coastal inundation in a warming world.

Coastal Flood Advisory: Historic Tides and Storm Surges Threaten U.S. Shorelines as NOAA Warns of 'Dangerous' Conditions—When Will the Worst Hit?

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