Jan
02
2024
From The Blog
2024 King Tide Dates for Kiawah Island
Everyone knows about high tides and low tides, but did you know that there are also King Tides to be prepared for as well? The term describes the highest seasonal tides that happen each year. In Charleston, the average high tide is around 5.5ft, whereas a king tide event can have tides reaching 7 ft or higher. Sometimes these higher than normal tides are barely noticed, but at other times they can cause flooding, road closures, and coastal erosion. (Note that king tides are not the only tidal events that can cause flooding; storm and wind events can cause these conditions even during lower predicted tides.)
In 2024, there are 6 instances where king tides have been predicted:
April 8-10
May 6-8
Aug. 18-19
Sept. 18-21
Oct.16-21
Nov. 14-18
While it is important to know and be familiar with these when these types of tidal events may occur, it is also important to know how to prepare and to take precaution while they occur. King tides can cause flooding in tidal low-lying areas, meaning it may be necessary to stay off certain roadways. Never drive through standing water.