King tide flooding hit Charleston, South Carolina, this morning, Oct. 25, as the National Weather Service warned of 1 to 2 feet of saltwater over land along the shorelines of coastal Charleston and Colleton counties. The harbor tide was forecast to reach 7.9 to 8.1 feet around half past seven, with flooding possible for an hour or two on either side, and the warning ran until 11 a.m.
On the other side of the country, a coastal flood warning took effect at 5 a.m. today for the San Diego and Orange County coastlines and runs through Thursday afternoon. Forecasters say tides there could reach 7.5 to 8 feet or higher starting Monday, possibly setting records.
Two coasts. One number. Eight feet.
What is happening with king tide flooding in Charleston?
The city is at the threshold. Moderate flooding begins at 7.5 feet in Charleston Harbor, affecting the Medical District, Highway 17, East Bay Street and Market Street, while anything above 8 feet counts as major flooding that can badly disrupt downtown. Emergency road closures went up late Saturday on parts of Hagood Avenue, Fishburne Street, Washington Street and Society Street…