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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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A photo shared on X on Tuesday showed Florida's popular Daytona Beach had disappeared under an extremely high tide known as a king tide.
The tide was high enough to reach the sea wall, temporarily flooding the entire beach.
"[King tides] occur between September and January around the time of the full moon," National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Robert Haley told Newsweek. "What's exacerbated the situation is we've had this persistent, brisk onshore flow the last several days that's been pushing water up against the coast. You add the tides on top of that, that's causing the coastal flooding and beach erosion that we're seeing."
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Why It Matters
The king tide comes as meteorologists have warned of an increased chance of coastal flooding along the Eastern Seaboard later this week as a non-tropical system lashes the coast with powerful waves, strong winds, and heavy rain. Concurrently, much of the East Coast is experiencing king tides this week. King tides are exceptionally high and occur during a new or full moon, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Since the tides are already elevated, the risk of coastal flooding increases.
What to Know
"No beach to be found at Daytona Beach! It's just, 'Daytona' right now because an extreme high tide known as the, 'King Tide' has pushed water all the way up to the seawall and dunes, amplified by a relentless onshore wind," FOX 35 senior meteorologist Brooks Garner posted on X on Tuesday morning. "Erosion to newly nourished areas is actively in progress."
Coastal flooding continued to present a hazard at Daytona Beach and much of the rest of Florida's east coast on Wednesday, according to a coastal flood advisory issued by the NWS office in Melbourne, Florida.
The coastal flood advisory will remain in place until 8 p.m. local time on Thursday night for coastal Volusia, Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin, and Brevard counties.
"Some flooding of low-lying lots, parks and roadways may occur near the shoreline," NWS Melbourne said in a coastal flood advisory. "Only isolated road closures are expected."
However, Haley told Newsweek that NWS meteorologists are considering issuing a coastal flood warning in advance of this weekend. He said the highest tide is forecast to occur on Saturday.
The NWS office in Jacksonville also issued a coastal flood advisory for its forecast region.
"Numerous roads may be closed. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure may be inundated," the advisory said. "Some shoreline erosion may occur."
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What People Are Saying
NWS meteorologist Robert Haley told Newsweek: "Beach conditions are going to be dangerous. There's going to be rough surf, rip currents and coastal flooding. We do not recommend entering the surf at this time."
NWS Melbourne, in a coastal flood advisory: "Onshore winds and above normal tides will combine to generate flooding of low areas along the shore. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property."
What Happens Next
The coastal flood advisory will remain in place until 8 p.m. ET. People in the impacted areas should not drive through flooded roads and should follow all official weather guidance. Further advisories and coastal flood warnings could be issued this weekend.
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