‘King tide’ raising water levels in Hilton Head area this weekend. Flooding is expected
An astronomical phenomenon called a “king tide” will bring unusually high tides and possible minor flooding to the Beaufort County area this weekend. Peak water levels are expected Saturday morning, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Known by scientists as a “perigean spring tide,” a king tide occurs when a new or full moon coincides with the moon’s perigee — a point around its monthlong orbit when it’s closest to the Earth. The combined gravitational pull of these events causes oceans to swell higher than usual in coastal areas.
High tides around Hilton Head Island typically fall between six and eight feet. With a full moon occurring Friday, those highs will reach up to a foot higher, according to NOAA forecasts:
- Thursday at 6:56 p.m.: High tide of 7.79 feet
- Friday at 7:25 a.m.: High tide of 8.94 feet
- Friday at 7:45 p.m.: High tide of 7.76 feet
- Saturday at 8:14 a.m.: High tide of 9.01 feet
- Saturday at 8:33 p.m.: High tide of 7.61 feet
- Sunday at 9:02 a.m.: High tide of 8.85 feet
- Sunday at 9:22 p.m.: High tide of 7.34 feet
High tides will dip back below 8 feet beginning Tuesday. The highest predicted tide next month is 8.34 feet during the Dec. 15 full moon.
Downtown Beaufort was already experiencing slight flooding Thursday morning, as pictures showed large pools of water in the parking lot of Safe Harbor.
“It’s King Tide week for Beaufort!” the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department posted alongside the photos. Chief Ross Vezin reminded residents not to drive through flooded roadways.
Rainfall Thursday afternoon and evening could contribute to the elevated water levels, but the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office predicts the rain will amount to less than a tenth of an inch.
What’s the forecast this weekend?
Thursday afternoon: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 67. North wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Friday night: Clear, with a low around 49. North wind 5 to 7 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 70. North wind 5 to 7 mph.
Saturday night: Clear, with a low around 49.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 72.
Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.
This story was originally published November 15, 2024 at 7:54 AM.
