Flooding expected from King Tides Monday night as Full Sturgeon Moon rises

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — The City of Charleston is preparing for King Tides Monday night that are expected to cause flooding and road closures.

King tides are the highest tides that occur and happen when the moon’s orbit, comes close to earth; drawing in more water and producing tides that can reach up to 7 feet or higher.

Blair Holloway, a meteorologist with Charleston National Weather Service explains, “Anytime we get to a period of time where we have a full moon cycle or where the moon is closer to the earth that tends to give us higher than normal tides.”

Areas on the water like downtown Charleston are often impacted by King Tides – as several roads flood and become impassible.

“We can experience flooding in and around the city. It might just be water on some roadways just kind of nuisance or annoyance types of flooding but as water levels get into the moderate flooding range, we can see enough water to close roadways and that can see some travel disruptions,” said Holloway.

Officials share what you can do to prepare for flooding and stay safe on the road.

“The best thing is to have alternate routes of travel because its usually the same areas that get impacted so avoid areas close to waterways and marshes and creeks,” said Holloway.

The National Weather Service is advising that King Tides are also expected Tuesday morning so check your route before work.