Fast Facts / High Tide Flooding

High Tide Flooding

High tide flooding, sometimes referred to as nuisance flooding, sunny-day flooding, or king tide flooding, is occurring more frequently every year as sea levels continue to rise, and is increasingly disrupting coastal community life.

400 to 1,100% Increase

The U.S. Southeast Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions saw an increase of over 400 to 1,100 percent, respectively, in high tide flooding days compared to the year 2000.

Twice as Frequent

The U.S. annual high tide flooding frequency is more than twice that in the year 2000 due to rising relative sea levels. By 2030, the national median frequency rate is likely to increase by two to three times (seven to 15 days).

Up to 75 Days per Year

By 2050, high tide flooding is likely to occur between 25 and 75 days per year, depending on location.

Rapid Growth, Record-Breaking Rise

Assessed over several decades, the national trend in high tide flooding frequency is accelerating, and is more than twice as likely now as it was in 2000. The rapid growth is in response to relative sea level rise, which is occurring along most U.S. coastlines. In 2020, relative sea level along coastlines reached the second highest level on record—0.3 meters (one foot) relative to 1920 levels.

Annual Acceleration

The national annual high tide flooding frequency reached four days (median value) in 2020, equaling the previous year and just shy of the record of five days set in 2018. High tide flooding is now accelerating at 80 percent of NOAA tide gauge locations along the East and Gulf Coasts, with nearly all other locations rising, but not yet accelerating.

Vulnerable Coastlines

Compared to high tide flooding frequencies typical in 2000, 2020 was extraordinary. Flood days occurred 100 to 150 percent more frequently than in 2000 along the Northeast Atlantic and Eastern Gulf coastlines. Even higher percentage increases (more than 400 percent) occurred along the Southeast Atlantic (for example, more than a 400 percent increase in Charleston, South Carolina, with 14 days in 2020, compared to about two days in 2000). Percentage increases compared to 2000 were the greatest in the Western Gulf (more than 1,100 percent, or 22 days) in Bay Waveland, Mississippi.

High tide flooding in 2020 was most prevalent along the Western Gulf, Eastern Gulf, and Southeast Atlantic coasts (17 days, nine days, and eight days—median values, respectively), with 14 locations breaking or tying historical high tide flooding records due to a combination of effects from a record-breaking hurricane season and rising sea levels.

The New Normal

Next year (May 2021 to April 2022), acceleration in high tide flooding and its impacts are expected to continue. Nationally, the likely median outlook is three to seven days. Regionally, the 2021 outlook is

Six to 11 days along the Northeast Atlantic
Three to seven days along the Southeast Atlantic
Zero days along the Caribbean
Three to seven days along the Eastern Gulf
Seven to 15 days along the Western Gulf
Zero to seven days along the Northwest Pacific
Zero to three days along the Southwest Pacific
Zero days along the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands

By 2030, high tide flooding is likely to be about two to three times greater (seven to 15 days). Frequent high tide flooding will continue to accelerate—with major impacts to infrastructure and the economy—unless coastal flood mitigation strategies are implemented or enhanced.