Fall King Tides drive multiday flood threat spanning 500 miles from Miami to Charleston

THE TAKEAWAY 

The Sunshine State is facing a weekend of wet weather as days of heavy downpours combined with King Tides increase the chance of coastal flooding.

This King Tide event is set to bring days of elevated tide cycles, leading to coastal flooding from Miami to Charleston.

Florida started the year in a state of extreme drought. Now, the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor shows significant improvement across the state, after a very wet summer and early start to fall. 

A stream of tropical moisture funneling into Florida is adding to the recent abundance of moisture, bringing a localized flooding risk. 

The FOX Forecast Center said the moisture comes from an upper-level low forming near Cuba that combines with an area of high pressure off the East Coast. 

SOUTHWEST FACES ADDITIONAL ROUND OF SEVERE WEATHER, FLASH FLOODING AFTER RARE TORNADO WATCHES

This moisture is expected to bring widespread 3 to 5 inches of rain across South Florida into early next week. 

Rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible, putting the area under a level 1 out of 4 flash flood risk on Saturday, with a smaller area under a level 2 threat on Sunday into Monday. 

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

The level 1 out of 4 threat will remain in effect through Tuesday, the FOX Forecast Center said. 

To make matters worse, the seasonal King Tides that have plagued the state this week are keeping coastal waters elevated. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Persistent, gusty winds of 20 to 25 mph will push water inland, keeping minor-to-moderate coastal flooding in play during peak high tides into the weekend.

A King tide is the highest naturally occurring high tide of the year. Even on clear, sunny days with no storm in sight, these extra-high seasonal tides push seawater back up through storm drains and onto coastal streets, the FOX Forecast Center said.

Stick with FOX Weather as we continue to bring you the latest forecast on Florida flash flooding and King Tides.