The term "King Tide" is a non-scientific term used to describe Perigean Spring Tides which are the highest seasonal tides that occur each year.

The average high tide in Charleston is about 5.5 ft. During a King or Spring Tide event, high tides may reach 7 ft. or higher.

These tides occur when the moon is either new or full and is closest to the earth in its monthly orbit. These especially high tides can cause or worsen coastal flooding. These types of tides are predictable and can be planned for.

NOAA's official Tide Prediction Tables are published annually on October 1, for the following calendar year. Actual water levels will likely vary locally and may be higher than predicted, based on additional weather conditions.

• eventPredicted King Tides

• view_weekUpcoming Predicted Tides

The height of the tide has one of the greatest impacts on how quickly stormwater will drain from the City because most of the outfalls of the City drain to water bodies that are tidally influenced.

At high tide, much of the stormwater collection system (the pipes and ditches) is already full of sea water leaving little room for the stormwater runoff, this is when ponding occurs.

The heights of our tides are variable, but are increasing over time. View Local Tide Trends compiled from data collected at the Cooper River Tide Station (#8665530) which is monitored by NOAA.

We are monitoring the Peninsula and Church Creek

At high tide, much of the stormwater collection system (the pipes and ditches) is already full of sea water leaving little room for the stormwater runoff. The stormwater that has collected on the surface has no place to go because the pipes and ditches are full and ponding occurs.

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In Charleston, tides are measured from the MLLW baseline. MLLW is averaged over a 19-year recording period (the National Tidal Datum Epoch). Tides and land elevations are measured from different baselines.

At 7.0 ft MLLW, minor coastal flooding typically begins. As the tide height approaches 7.5 ft MLLW, roads can become impassable and closed.

For more technical information on Datums, visit NOAA's Tides & Currents page about our local Cooper River Station tide gauge.