Flood warning for US East Coast as supermoon event triggers flooding

Flood warnings have been issued across the East Coast as the supermoon will be the biggest and brightest this year when it rises tonight.

Residents in New York City and New Jersey were told to prepare for flooding of up to 2 feet above ground level Friday morning, and in Florida that applies from today through Saturday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) told DailyMail.com that the warning was due to a possible flood caused by the biggest and brightest moon of the year, “which will be strong enough to draw water into coastal cities.”

The supermoon will be 15 percent larger and closer to Earth than a full moon, increasing its pull on the oceans and creating higher than normal tides.

NWS has warned that roads in flood zones will likely be closed and properties in low-lying areas could be affected by rising water.

While New York City and New Jersey could experience flooding of up to two feet, Florida is expected to experience major flooding twice that level.

“In addition to the high tide, we have a supermoon that is strong enough to draw in more water,” NWS Chief Administrative Officer Beth Lamb told DailyMail.com.

A coastal flood warning is in effect for parts of New York City and New Jersey from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday. Between one and two feet of water could be seen in these regions

“This doesn't happen every month.” “In a warming world, the ocean is expanding and there will be more coastal flooding due to high tide.”

NWS issued the advisory for Manhattan, Bronx and Queens counties, Nassau and Richmond (also in New York), and Hudson County in New Jersey.

“Flooding of up to half a foot above ground level is expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline,” the weather service said in a statement.

“With flood cycles continuing through Saturday, further coastal flooding is possible.”

Officials have warned residents not to travel but to allow earlier departures if necessary due to possible road closures.

Lamb said there will be flooding on Long Island “Because of the persistent northeasterly winds blowing in the right direction.”

She further explained that areas along New Jersey that typically experience flooding “will absorb water.”

The Northeast regions will be under the advisory starting Friday from 6:00 a.m. ET to 10:00 a.m.

Part of Florida is also under the same warning, which comes just a week after Hurricane Milton devastated the state

Coastal flood warnings were also in place near Jacksonville, Florida, and in Putnam and Flagler counties, preventing this from happening Four feet of flooding beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday through 5 a.m. Saturday.

Meteorologists call this king tide higher due to the Moon being at perigee, the point in its orbit where it is closest to Earth.

And the supermoon, which is expected to peak tonight, could exert a greater gravitational pull on Earth, causing ocean water levels to rise higher than usual.

The peak of the tide is expected to reach around 8.20am and 8.35pm today, then around 12 hours later on Friday and again at 10am on Saturday.

“During times of high water, flooding of low-lying parking lots, coastal roads and parks may occur,” the NWS said on X.

“Do NOT park your vehicle in low lying areas as salt water is corrosive and can damage vehicles.”

Officials have urged residents to “allow extra time” while traveling as part of the flood warning as some roads may be closed.

“Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth,” the NWS said in its advisory, adding that residents should also “take necessary measures to protect property at risk of flooding.”

These warnings follow Hurricane Milton, which hit Florida's west coast as a Category 3 storm on October 9th.

King tides triggered by this week's supermoon could inundate South Florida's coast as the state reels from the devastation of Hurricane Milton. Water swept through the streets of New Port Richey during the storm

The storm devastated cities with winds exceeding 100 miles per hour, produced a spate of tornadoes and dropped up to 18 inches of rain in some areas. At least 14 people were killed.

Milton also triggered catastrophic flooding across the state, and some areas are still waiting for flooding to recede a week after the hurricane.

These large tides could make it even harder for Milton's floodwaters to recede as they struggle to drain into swelling rivers like the St. Johns, which flows more than 300 miles from its headwaters in Indian River County to the Atlantic Ocean.

The king tide also brings a high risk of rip currents, and authorities are urging people to swim near a lifeguard.

“If you find yourself caught in a rip current, relax and let yourself drift,” advises the NWS. “Don’t swim against the current.” If possible, swim in a direction that follows the shore. If you cannot escape, look toward the shore and call or wave for help.”

The last king tide to hit Florida occurred in September, inundating the popular Intracoastal Front Lake Trail in Palm Beach with up to 10 inches of water in some places.

King Tide is a natural phenomenon that occurs every year in Florida, typically in the fall and spring.

Southeast Florida's highest tides typically occur in the fall because the water is warmer this time of year and seasonal winds raise water levels.

But the moon is the main driving force behind these exceptionally high tides.

This week's Harvest Supermoon will exert an increased gravitational pull on our planet, causing ocean water levels to rise higher than usual.

Additionally, the Earth, the Sun, and the Super Harvest Moon will align in space tonight, producing a lunar eclipse. The combined gravity of these celestial bodies will amplify the effect on Earth's oceans, creating a king tide.

Additionally, NWS Miami senior meteorologist Robert Garcia told Newsweek that the wind could make this week's king tides even worse.

“So the moon influences the tides, but beyond that, a northeasterly wind will push water toward the coast,” Garcia said.

“It's like sitting in a bathtub and constantly pushing water in one direction with your hand.” “The water backs up,” he added.

This king tide should return to normal levels early next week, but another king tide is forecast for November 15-19.