Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for NC and SC Coastlines as King Tides Peak

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC / HORRY COUNTY, SC — Coastal residents are urged to exercise caution this evening, Monday, July 13, 2026, as a combination of astronomical high tides – commonly referred to as “King Tides” and coastal flood advisories bring the potential for nuisance flooding to low-lying areas across the region.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued formal Coastal Flood Advisories as tidal waters are expected to crest above normal levels. While King Tide is an informal term, it describes these exceptionally high tides that occur when the gravitational pull of the moon and sun align, often exacerbated when the moon is at its closest point to Earth.

The NWS has outlined specific windows where residents should remain alert for minor tidal inundation:

Horry & Georgetown Counties, SC: An advisory is in effect from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. tonight. Officials warn that vulnerable causeways leading to and from local beaches, as well as roads along the Intracoastal Waterway and adjacent tidal creeks, are at the highest risk for minor coastal flooding.
Brunswick County, NC: An advisory is in effect from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. this evening. Residents in low-lying coastal areas and along tidal waterways should prepare for up to one-half foot of water inundation above ground level.
Lower Cape Fear River/Wilmington, NC: A separate advisory is in effect from 8:00 p.m. tonight until midnight. Minor flooding of up to one foot is possible in areas including Battleship Road, USS North Carolina Road, and sections of Water Street.

Safety and Travel Precautions

While these events are expected to produce only minor, localized flooding, authorities emphasize that conditions can be amplified by other factors such as heavy rainfall, high winds, or poor drainage.

Residents and visitors are advised to follow these safety protocols:

“No Wake” Caution: Motorists are urged to treat any flooded streets as “No Wake” zones. Driving through standing water—even at low speeds creates a wake that can push water into nearby homes and businesses.
Do Not Drive Through Water: Never attempt to drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. If you encounter flooded roads, turn around and find an alternate route.
Allow Extra Time: If travel is required during the advisory windows, plan for potential delays or temporary road closures.

Residents should stay informed by checking local traffic resources, such as DriveNC.gov for North Carolina updates and the SCDOT road conditions map for South Carolina.

This report is provided as a public service to keep our community informed of shifting coastal conditions.