High Tide Flooding Outlook for August 2023
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Last Updated
By US Harbors.
August is Predicted to Bring the Highest Tides of 2023
When the perigean spring tides occur, both at the beginning and end of August, NOAA is predicting the tides will be higher—and lower—than normal for all regions of the U.S.. Perigean spring tides are when the Moon is either new (or full) and closest to Earth. In addition to lunar influences, mean sea level is typically higher in the summer due to changing weather patterns and increasing water temperatures, causing tides to be even higher than normal.
Some locations in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Hawaii, California, and the Gulf Coast will see their highest tides of the year this August. Flooding may occur in low lying areas, however high tides alone will likely not cause a significant impact on the coast in most areas–with the exception of some harbors in California and Hawaii where tides alone will impact select harbors. Lower than normal low tides will also occur.
It is important to note that these predictions do not account for real-time weather conditions. Severe weather may cause flooding outside of dates predicted. To see water levels in real-time and track storms, visit NOAA’s Coastal Inundation Dashboard.
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
California: Possible & Likely Flood Days
Some locations in California are predicted to exceed the high tide flooding threshold based on tides alone this month. Minor tidal flooding along the coast will occur, particularly in low lying areas. If a storm occurs at this time, increased levels of tidal flooding and coastal erosion may occur. Lower than normal low tides will also occur.
- San Diego, CA — August 1 (highly likely flooding), August 2, 29, 30 (possible flooding)
- La Jolla, CA — August 1, 2
- Long Beach, CA — August 1
- Santa Monica, CA — August 1 (highly likely flooding), August 2, 29 (possible flooding)
- San Luis Obispo, CA — August 1
- Point Reyes, CA — August 1
- Eureka, CA — August 2 (highly likely flooding), August 3 (possible flooding)
Hawaii: Possible & Likely Flood Days
- Hawaii
- Hilo — August 1 (highly likely flooding), August 2, 3, 28, 29, 30, 31 (possible flooding)
- Kawaihae — August 1, 2, 28, 29, 30
- Maui
- Kahului — August 1, 2
- Oahu
- Honolulu — August 1, 2
- Mokuoloe — August 1, 2, 29
- Kaiai
- Navilivili — August 1
Northeast: Possible Flood Days
- Providence, RI — August 31
- Boston, MA — August 3, 4, and 30
- Portland, ME — August 3, 4, and 30
- Bar Harbor, ME — August 1, 3, 4, and 30
Mid Atlantic: Possible Flood Days
- New York, NY — August 1
- Sandy Hook, NJ — August 1, 2, 30, 31
- Atlantic City, NJ — August 1, 2, 30, 31
- Cape May, NJ — August 1, 2, 30, 31
Southeast: Possible Flood Days
- Springmaid Pier, NC — August 1, 2, 3, 29, 30, 31
- Charleston, SC — August 1, 29, 30, 31
- Fort Pulaski (Savannah), GA — August 1, 2, 29, 30, 31
Gulf Coast: Possible Flood Days
- Cedar Key, FL — August 1, 2, 3, 29, 30, 31
- Eagle Point, Galveston Bay, TX — August 26, 27, 28, 29
