This blog post summarizes recent coastal and tropical weather events affecting the United States and nearby coasts. These include an unnamed powerful coastal storm that, combined with unusually high king tides, caused flooding along the Carolina coast; active tropical systems in the Pacific and Atlantic; and the returning possibility of La Niña that could influence weather patterns.
As an atmospheric scientist with three decades of experience, I review the impacts, forecasts, and preparedness implications for coastal communities and inland areas at risk from heavy rain and flooding.
Coastal storm and king tides spark flooding in the Carolinas
Early Friday a strong, unnamed coastal storm coincided with unusually high king tides, producing coastal flooding from Charleston, South Carolina, up through the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The timing of astronomical high tides amplified the storm surge, driving seawater into low-lying streets and communities.
Local impacts and immediate response
In Charleston, about a dozen streets were reported underwater during the morning high tide, which reached 8.5 feet — the 13th highest tide in more than a century of records for Charleston Harbor. The city temporarily offered free parking in selected garages to accommodate disrupted streets and provide relief for residents.
Forecasters cautioned that strong winds and coastal flooding could persist for several days, especially where barrier islands and narrow inlets concentrate wave energy.
Forecast and ongoing coastal risks
Expect continued coastal hazards while strong onshore winds remain in place and tides stay near their astronomical peaks. Low-lying roads, marshside neighborhoods, and coastal infrastructure will face intermittent inundation and overwash until the storm weakens or moves offshore.
Outer Banks, Hatteras and Ocracoke at risk
The Outer Banks remain particularly vulnerable. Highway N.C. 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands was expected to experience ocean overwash and possible closures, disrupting resident movement and tourism.
Repeated highway closures can isolate communities and complicate emergency response, emphasizing the need for local plans and timely public messaging.
Tropical activity in the Pacific and Atlantic
Concurrently, multiple tropical systems were active across the Pacific and Atlantic basins, bringing heavy rain and potential strengthening that could affect coastal and inland regions.
Pacific storms: Priscilla and Raymond
In the eastern Pacific, Tropical Storms Priscilla and Raymond were producing heavy rain along Mexico’s coast. Moisture from these storms was also projected to push into the U.S. Southwest, where Priscilla posed a flash-flood threat.
Flood watches were posted across parts of Arizona, California, and Nevada, targeting areas prone to rapid runoff, debris flows, and urban flooding after intense downpours.
Atlantic storms: Jerry and Karen
In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Jerry was moving northwest past the northern Leeward Islands and was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane within days. Additionally, Subtropical Storm Karen formed in the north Atlantic with sustained winds near 45 mph.
These systems underscore the multi-basin nature of active tropical weather during this period.
La Niña’s possible return and seasonal implications
Meteorologists have noted signs that La Niña could be returning. La Niña typically alters global circulation patterns and can influence hurricane activity, precipitation distribution, and temperature anomalies.
What this means for communities
Even if La Niña’s influence is delayed, the combination of strong coastal storms, high tides, and active tropical systems makes vigilance essential.
Coastal managers and residents should prepare for episodic flooding, beach erosion, and infrastructure impacts over the coming days.
Preparedness recommendations:
Coastal communities should treat high tides during storm windows as a force multiplier.
The tide may be predictable, but the combination with storm surge is not.
Here is the source article for this story: High tides raise flood risk in Carolinas as tropical storms churn in Atlantic and Pacific