Coastal storm, King Tides causing dangerous beach conditions and flooding along Eastern Seaboard
At least two abandoned homes in the area of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina were reported to have collapsed into the ocean following the increased winds, waves and tides. And along Cape Cod in Massachusetts, at least one boater was rescued after authorities said a 35-foot sailboat broke free from is mooring and crashed onto a local beach.
King Tides, coastal storm prompt Coastal Flood Warnings across Eastern Seaboard
High tides could be several feet higher than normal through Monday night as a coastal storm and King Tides cause havoc from Florida to Maine to end the weekend.
BOSTON – The combination of King Tides, a storm system off the Northeast, a significant onshore flow and the remnants of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight are causing significant coastal issues from New England to Florida, with impacts expected to linger into the first week of astronomical fall.
National Weather Service offices in the region have issued hundreds of miles of alerts, including more than 50 million people, warning coastal residents, boaters and beachgoers about the threats and impacts.
Tidal flooding is forecast for the nation's capital through early Tuesday along the banks of the Potomac in Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Virginia. A Coastal Flood Warning is in place for the mid-Atlantic, where tides are expected to reach 2 feet above normal.
East Coast flood alerts for the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions through Monday.
(FOX Weather)
Waves claim more homes on coastal North Carolina
Boats were tossed from their moorings in Massachusetts, at least two homes collapsed in North Carolina, roadways were underwater in the Carolinas and at least one swimmer was reported missing along Jacksonville Beach, Florida, all due to the rough surf conditions.
"The northeast flow, combined with the effects from the Harvest Moon, have just caused havoc for parts of the East Coast from Downeast Maine to Florida," the NWS office in Boston said.
FOURTH HOME COLLAPSES INTO SURF ALONG NORTH CAROLINA’S OUTER BANKS
The impact zone includes abandoned homes around Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina, where two structures fell into the ocean over 24 hours.
Watch: Another home collapses on North Carolina's Outer Banks
A third home has collapsed along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, highlighting the ongoing threat of erosion and rising sea levels to North Carolina's Outer Banks. The National Park Service is urging visitors to avoid the beach and stay out of the water near the north end of Rodanthe and potentially for miles to the south following an early Friday morning collapse of an unoccupied home.
No one was injured during the collapses, but debris in the water has made the beach off-limits to swimmers.
"Due to potentially dangerous debris on the beach and in the water to the north and south of the collapse site, temporary beach closures for public safety may be necessary … National Park Service staff will be on the beach again today to assist with moving debris above the high tide line," National Park Service staff stated.
Southeast coastal flood advisories.
(FOX Weather)
Since 2020, at least nine homes in the immediate area have collapsed as the combination of storms and Mother Nature work to reclaim the beach.
The flooding during high tides was significant enough that authorities in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, warned visitors to temporarily stay away from some of its roadways.
"It is a beautiful day here on Pawleys Island! However, we do advise all visitors to be extra careful during today’s high tide period. We are in a king tide cycle, which has caused flooding on many portions of our roadways this week ... Please be advised that this tidal water is not so great for your car. If you do drive through a flooded section of roadway, please proceed very slowly to minimize any impacts to adjacent," the town posted on Facebook.
![Sunny day flooding in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.]()
Image 1 of 4Sunny day flooding in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. (Pawleys Island, South Carolina)
![Sunny day flooding in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.]()
Image 2 of 4Sunny day flooding in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. (Pawleys Island, South Carolina)
![Photo taken the night of September 20 shows debris from 23009 G A Kohler Court at the south end of G A Kohler Court.]()
Image 3 of 4Photo taken the night of September 20 shows debris from 23009 G A Kohler Court at the south end of G A Kohler Court. (National Park Service)
![Photo taken the night of September 20 shows debris from 23009 G A Kohler Court at the south end of G A Kohler Court.]()
Image 4 of 4Photo taken the night of September 20 shows debris from 23009 G A Kohler Court at the south end of G A Kohler Court. (National Park Service)
SEVERAL DAMAGED HOMES DANGLE PRECARIOUSLY ALONG WASHED OUT FLORIDA BLUFF FROM NICOLE
The heightened water levels and rough seas are expected to persist as storm systems continue to traverse the Atlantic basin and the Moon approaches perigee, its closest point to Earth.
Moon perigee graphic
(NASA)
Due to the increased gravitational pull from Earth’s only natural satellite, coastal communities are experiencing higher-than-normal water levels, known as King Tides.
Two Supermoon cycles remain this year: the Hunter’s Moon in October and the Beaver Moon on Nov. 15.
The FOX Forecast Center expects that over the next two months, beaches and coastal communities, primarily along the Eastern Seaboard, will continue to face intermittent issues from high tides, including flooding, erosion and an increased risk of rip currents.
Rip current dangers will remain high on Sunday for beaches in Jacksonville, Florida, and from North Carolina to New York.
Rip current forecast through Monday.
(FOX Weather)