King Tide is a non-scientific term used to describe high tides that are higher than normal. They usually occur during a full or new moon or during specific seasons throughout the year. They can cause flooding of low-lying areas resulting in road closures that may disrupt normal daily routines. This is particularly true when a king tide coincides with significant precipitation.
The 2022 predicted king tides are:
- October 26-28
- November 23-26
- December 23-25
Remember to clear debris blocking the drains near your home before predicted king tides and if your home is prone to flooding, you might want to prepare your ground level for flooding.
SCDOT warns: Please use caution in areas that are impacted by flooding. It takes just 12 inches of water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. Never drive around barricades. Turn around, don’t drown.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is leading the South Carolina King Tides Initiative to document the effect that extreme tide events have on our state’s beaches, coastal waterways, private property, and public infrastructure. For more information on king tides and the Initiative, click here.
–Tidelines Editors