With a series of exceptionally high tides expected to arrive this week, Seattle and other parts of Western Washington could see minor coastal flooding.
Shorelines and low-lying coastal roadways or parks are most likely to get the brunt of the flooding. Along the Pacific Coast, extra high tides are expected Monday through Wednesday. The interior waters will likely see tidal flooding Tuesday through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
During this time of year, the tide is more sensitive to any changes in pressure or wind speed.
“We do have a period of more active weather with low-pressure systems moving through,” NWS meteorologist Trent Davis said.
King tides are forecasted for parts of the state this week, including in Bellingham and Port Townsend. In Seattle, the water will be higher than usual, but likely won’t get as high as it was earlier this month, when king tides caused minor urban flooding. (Seattle should see another round of king tides mid-January.)
Western Washington’s king tides — the peak of a given tidal cycle — are strongest in November, December, January and February. Storms and low-pressure systems also amplify tides.
And as climate change warms the Earth and sea levels rise globally, king tides now carry greater potential for disastrous flooding that damages or destroys property.
Some minor coastal flooding will occur after Christmas, but where it will be worst remains uncertain, Davis said.
An atmospheric river will douse the region Monday and Tuesday, but there’s a wide range of potential rainfall amounts, so how much flooding could happen isn’t clear. If conditions line up so several inches of rain fall at the same time as high tide, flooding could get bad — but that’s unlikely, Davis said.
“If there are any road closures, make sure to pay attention to those and take detours as necessary,” Davis said. “Add any extra commute time to your holiday prep.”
