King Tide event enhancing coastal flooding threat along Southeast, mid-Atlantic
King Tides often cause nuisance flooding in coastal and low-lying areas and take place around 3-4 times per year.
King Tide enhancing coastal flooding threat along East Coast
A King Tide event is expected to impact the U.S. East Coast this week, bringing the potential for disruptive flooding from the Southeast to the mid-Atlantic. FOX Weather Meteorologist Bayne Frone has more on Oct. 5, 2025.
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Southeast coast is bracing for continued coastal flooding as seasonal King Tides, this month’s Supermoon and persistent onshore flow combine to push coastal water levels higher through midweek.
The unusually high tides are partially the result of the full Moon’s gravitational pull and its closest approach to Earth, with tide levels expected to peak by midweek.
(FOX Weather)
As a result, numerous weather alerts have been issued, including Coastal Flood Advisories, Coastal Flood Warnings and Rip Current Statements, from the Carolinas through Florida.
The first Supermoon of the year will reach peak illumination just before midnight on Tuesday along the East Coast.
Moon perigee graphic
(NASA)
The natural satellite's gravitational pull causes the oceans to bulge on the side closest to the Moon and the side farthest from it, creating the two daily high tides and two low tides experienced along most coasts.
During perigee, when the moon is closest to Earth, those tides become even more extreme, leading to what experts call King Tides.
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Numerous homes along North Carolina's Outer Banks have collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean.
(FOX Weather)
The timing of this latest King Tide event comes as parts of the East Coast are still reeling from weeks of rough surf and recurrent coastal flooding.
In the Outer Banks of North Carolina, nearly a dozen structures have collapsed over the last week due to pounding surf and ongoing beach erosion.
In Charleston, South Carolina, tides routinely force the closure of downtown streets, with floodwater deep enough for vehicles to stall.
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![This graphic shows flood alerts in effect in the mid-Atlantic.]()
Image 1 of 2This graphic shows flood alerts in effect in the mid-Atlantic. ( )
![This graphic shows flood alerts in effect in Florida.]()
Image 2 of 2This graphic shows flood alerts in effect in Florida. ( )
Additional communities that could experience flooding include Savannah and Brunswick in Georgia and St. Augustine, Miami and Key West in Florida, where drainage systems are usually compromised during high tides.
The FOX Forecast Center said that the flood risk also extends beyond the immediate coast. Water can also back up into tidal rivers, bays and sounds, such as the Cape Fear River, the Cooper River, Pamlico Sound, Savannah River and St. Johns River.
(FOX Weather)
After this week’s event, there are two more Supermoons remaining this year: the Beaver Moon on Nov. 5 and the Cold Moon on Dec. 4.
Both lunar events are expected to increase tidal levels, but not as significantly as October’s event.
Watch: Flooding reported in Florida due to King Tide
A video shared from Hollywood Beach in Florida shows some minor flooding due to a King Tide event on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Forecasters urge residents in coastal zones that regularly experience "sunny day flooding" to move vehicles to higher ground and prepare for temporary road closures.
Even minor tidal flooding can make streets impassable, especially in low-lying neighborhoods.
Owners who drive through floodwater are urged to thoroughly rinse their vehicles afterward, as saltwater exposure can lead to corrosion and electrical damage over time.
The FOX Forecast Center said that the greatest flood threat will occur early this week, but elevated tides will persist into the latter half of the week, too. Conditions should start to improve by mid- to late-week as winds begin to ease and shift offshore, allowing water levels to gradually recede.