High Tide Flooding Predictions for May 2024

Per NOAA, mean sea level is typically higher in the late spring due to changing weather patterns and increasing water temperatures. That said, the outlook for tidal flooding this May is pretty contained, and is certainly less than we saw a few months ago.

May’s highest predicted tides will coincide with the new moon starting on May 7th (except for in Hawaii when it starts on May 8th). We may also see high tide flooding with the full moon at the end of the month, around May 23rd. The higher-than-normal tides that happen with the new and full moon each month are called ‘spring’ tides (not “king” tides), which is a bit confusing as they happen throughout the year, not just in the spring season.

Important for Boaters: Please be aware that lower than normal tides are also forecast for May. Don’t forget to print the tide chart for your location!

• Eagle Point in Galveston Bay, TX is expected to see flooding for the entire month of May, EXCEPT May 17-19 and May 31.
• Fernandina Beach, FL is (again!) the only location in Florida predicted to see flooding this month on May 7 & 8.
• Bay St. Louis, MS may see flooding again this month between May 8-12 and 23-28.
• California and Hawaii, spared last month, are predicted to see very limited high tide flooding: just North Spit in Northern CA, and locations on Hawaii’s Big Island.
• Washington and Oregon, are being spare this month, which hasn’t happened in a while!

QUICK LINKS to possible flood days by region: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Gulf Coast, Pacific Coast, Hawaii.