King Tides Hit Beaufort County: What You Need to Know
Hey there, Beaufort! Get ready for some *seriously high tides* this weekend as we prepare for an astronomical wonder known as a “king tide.” The buzz around town is definitely picking up, and for good reason! According to the experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, we can expect some unusually elevated water levels starting Saturday morning. So, let’s dive into what this means for us locals!
What Exactly Is a King Tide?
The term “king tide” might sound a bit royal, but it’s actually a phenomenon that happens when a full or new moon aligns with the moon’s perigee, which is the point in its orbit when it’s closest to our planet. When these cosmic forces combine, they create some serious gravitational pull, causing our oceans to swell higher than normal along the coast. And trust us, this week’s king tide is expected to push our usual high tides—typically between six and eight feet— up to an additional foot!
What’s in Store for This Weekend?
If you’re curious about the specifics, here’s what the forecast has in store for us:
- Thursday afternoon: Showers likely with mostly cloudy skies and a high around 74 degrees. A slight south wind should keep things breezy.
- Thursday night: A 30 percent chance of showers before 8 PM, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 51 degrees.
- Friday: Sunshine returns! Expect a high near 67 degrees with a north wind picking up.
- Saturday: Another sunny day! We’ll see highs near 70 degrees, making it a perfect time to enjoy the beach—just be cautious of those high tides!
- Sunday: More sun and a high around 72 degrees. Sounds like a lovely end to the weekend!
Flooding Alerts Already in Beaufort
The City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department has been quite vocal on social media about safety, urging residents to use caution and *not to drive through flooded roadways.* Chief Ross Vezin has made it clear that safety should always come first.
Weather Warnings Ahead
While the king tides are certainly a sight to behold, the weather might throw a little rain our way. Some rainfall was expected Thursday afternoon and evening, but the good news is that the National Weather Service predicts it won’t amount to much—less than a tenth of an inch, which should help keep the flooding in check. However, it’s always a good idea to stay updated and prepared!
Looking Ahead
For those of you wondering about future tides, mark your calendars! The highest predicted tide next month is set for December 15, with levels hitting an expected 8.34 feet during the full moon. That’s definitely something to keep an eye on!
In Conclusion
So there you have it, Beaufort! This weekend is gearing up to be an exciting one with king tides making waves. Whether you’re heading to the beach to enjoy the sun or just keeping an eye on the rising waters, remember to stay safe and enjoy the beauty of this natural phenomenon.
Let’s make the most of it, and as always, don’t hesitate to share your king tide experiences with friends and neighbors!
