Urgent Coastal Flood Advisory Issued: See Expected Impact Zones and Life-Saving Safety Tips

Coastal residents from northeastern Florida through the mid-Atlantic are waking up to yet another National Weather Service (NWS) Coastal Flood Advisory as a slow-moving nor’easter, astronomically high tides and rising seas combine to push water onto normally dry land. What areas are under the current advisory? • Florida: St. Johns, Flagler and Duval counties remain under an advisory through at least Wednesday evening, with the NWS Jacksonville office warning that tides may run 1.5–2.5 ft above ground level in downtown St. Augustine and along the lower St. Johns River. • Georgia & South Carolina: Low-lying zones around Savannah, Beaufort and Charleston face similar minor to moderate inundation during mid-morning and late-evening high-tide cycles. • North Carolina to Delaware: Portions of the Outer Banks, Hampton Roads, the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay are forecast to reach minor flood stage through Thursday as persistent onshore flow piles water against the coastline. What’s driving the flooding? A stalled nor’easter just offshore is funneling 20–30 mph northeast winds toward land while the moon’s perigean spring (or “king”) tides boost water levels by several extra inches. Sea-level rise has lifted the baseline by roughly 8–10 inches since 1950 along much of the Southeast coast, making today’s nuisance flooding the new normal during many high-tide events. Forecast high-tide hot spots • Downtown St. Augustine: Waterfront roads near the Castillo de San Marcos begin to flood about 2 hrs before and after the 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. high tides. • Charleston Battery: Minor flooding is likely at 10:37 a.m. and again at 10:59 p.m. as tide crests approach 7.1 ft MLLW. • Norfolk: Waterside Drive and the Hague may see ponding around the 12:18 p.m. peak tide; expect up to 1 ft of water on the lowest streets. Expected impacts • Road closures: Salt-water overtopping of sea walls can turn coastal arteries into dead-ends; never drive through water of unknown depth. • Beach erosion: Four-to-six-foot surf and elevated water lines will eat away at dunes and may expose seawalls or buried debris. • Marinas & docks: Floating docks may rise above pilings—double-check lines and power connections. Safety and preparation checklist 1. Park vehicles on higher ground; saltwater corrosion can total a car in hours. 2. Secure trash cans, yard furniture and construction materials that can float away. 3. If you must travel, allow extra time, heed detours and avoid bicycle or scooter use on flooded streets. 4. Photograph property now; clear documentation expedites insurance claims. 5. Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts and local NWS push notifications so you know if the advisory escalates to a Coastal Flood Warning. When will water levels recede? Meteorologists expect the offshore low to weaken and drift north late Thursday, allowing winds to veer offshore and water to drain. However, another surge of king tides is projected for mid-October; today’s flooding is a preview of what’s ahead as seasonal peaks align with a warming ocean. Bottom line If you live or work along tidal creeks, rivers, barrier-island causeways or historic downtown waterfronts, plan as if high-tide flooding will be part of your daily routine for the next 48 hours. Small steps—like moving your car or delaying a delivery—can save thousands of dollars and keep first responders free for true emergencies.