Sept 10, 2024

Of interest to our readers who have customers heading south or who are planning to boat down, we share this information. In a recent edition of the US Harbors newsletter, we learned that NOAA says to expect higher tides for the US East coast on and around the new moon and full moon dates (known as spring tides), which will occur on September 2nd and September 17th, respectively. Higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides will occur around the perigean spring tide, when the Moon is full and closest to Earth. In addition, mean sea level is generally higher in the early fall months due to warmer, expanding ocean water and changes in weather patterns. Make sure to print out the tide chart for your favorite harbor so that you can monitor exactly when the water level will be highest (and lowest) in your area.

• Kings Point, New York, is likely to see coastal flooding on September 19, although flooding is possible from September 17-21.
• On the Gulf Coast, Galveston Bay, Texas, is likely to experience flooding on September 24 and 25, while flooding is possible in that location for the entire month.
• The last two weeks of the month will see the highest and lowest tides, with flooding possible in numerous locations along the East and Gulf Coasts.
• Hawaii, which saw some of its highest tides of the year last month, will see only three days, September 15-17, with flooding possible.
• See the details on the locations where NOAA is predicting possible and likely coastal flooding this month: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Gulf Coast, and Hawaii.

About these Predictions: “These flooding likelihoods are derived from a probabilistic model that incorporates tide predictions, sea level rise trends, and seasonal changes in coastal sea level to predict the potential that a higher-than-normal high tide may exceed established National Ocean Service flood thresholds. During these periods, high tide flooding may occur in flood-prone areas.” NOAA