King Tides Reach 1.9 Feet Above Normal in Northern California

Seawater has flooded streets, homes, and businesses across California, Florida, and the Carolinas. The surge, driven by astronomical alignments, has forced closures of major roadways and disrupted daily life in beach communities. Forecasters warn that the highest water levels will continue into the weekend.

The flooding began with the full moon earlier this week. King tides occur when the gravitational pull of the moon and sun aligns with the Earth. These events happen several times a year and last for days. This week's intensity is amplified by specific atmospheric and oceanic conditions.

In Florida, strong high pressure to the north and low pressure over the Caribbean increased swells, according to Chris Fisher, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Miami. In California, the ongoing super El Niño has warmed the ocean and increased water volume. Roger Gass, a meteorologist in Monterey, identified Kelvin waves as a further contributor. These pulses of warm water raise sea levels.

Residents in Huntington Beach, California, placed sandbags outside their homes on Wednesday. Some used paddleboards and surfboards to travel through flooded streets. Parts of the Pacific Coast Highway were closed. Tides in Orange and San Diego counties approached record levels. In Northern California, high tides peaked 1.9 feet above normal.

Virginia Key, a barrier island in Miami, recorded its highest king tide on record. It is also the third-highest water level since records began three decades ago. Fisher noted that only hurricanes have previously produced higher levels. The event is considered historical from a king tide perspective.

Most of Florida's Atlantic coast remains under flood warnings through early Friday. Street flooding was reported in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Rip currents were possible as far north as North Carolina's Outer Banks. In Fort Lauderdale, drivers navigated flooded streets to reach venues for the in-water boat show.

The weather service expects minor flooding in low-lying areas along shorelines through Saturday. Gass stated that coastal flooding generally occurs within an hour and a half before and after high tide. Fisher described the conditions as a rough beach week with high surf and a high risk of rip currents. He advised staying out of the water through the weekend.