Arriving King Tides may bring flooding, exacerbated by rainfall from Hurricane Sally
Water levels on the beach and near inlets will be higher this week thanks to King Tide and predicted rainfall from Hurricane Sally.
King Tides, or perigean spring tide, occur six to eight times a year when the earth, moon and sun are aligned during a new or full moon while the moon is as close as it gets to the Earth during its orbit. Gravitational pull brings water levels higher than normal.
The King Tide is expected to start Tuesday and last until Sept. 21, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The highest tide, just under 7 feet, is expected on Thursday around 8 p.m. during the New Moon. This is just under the “minor flooding threshold” set by the National Weather Service.
Higher tides can cause flooding in low-lying areas, onshore winds and rainfall can increase the threat of flooding. Forecasts for the Myrtle Beach area show high probability for precipitation through Saturday. The high tide will coincide with heavy rainfall predicted throughout the Carolinas from Hurricane Sally later this week.
The National Weather Service is predicting flooding along parts of the South Carolina coast and say flooding will be “exacerbated” by any rainfall. They also predict some beach erosion, especially in areas affected by Hurricane Isaias.
The tides will affect local roadways such as Garden City Beach with water on Atlantic and Cypress avenues, according to the NWS. Storm water drains are expected to back up and flood local roadways.
This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 11:46 AM.
