FIRST ALERT: Coastal Flood ADVISORY this morning as King Tides arrive

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Minor coastal flooding is likely the next few days as King Tides continue.

A coastal flood Advisory is in effect for coastal Horry and Georgetown Counties through 10:00 AM this morning.

Up to one half foot of standing salt water is expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Vulnerable causeways to and from local beaches may experience minor coastal flooding. Low-lying roads and locations along the Intracoastal Waterway and adjacent tidal creeks may observe minor coastal flooding as well.

Minor coastal flooding is likely through this morning.(WMBF)

The most likely areas for coastal flooding include the regions along the canals in Cherry Grove as well as Garden City and Pawleys Island.

Additional coastal flood advisories will likely be issued for Friday and Saturday morning’s high tide as well.

King tides are forecast to continue through November 8th as the moon approaches the new phase.

King tides occur when the orbits and alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun combine to produce the greatest tidal effects of the year. King tides bring unusually high water levels during high tide, and can often times lead to local tidal flooding. Existing weather patterns can often times make coastal flooding worse.

In Myrtle Beach, the average high tide range is about 5.5 feet, whereas during a King Tide event the high tide range may reach 7 feet or higher. A 7 foot tide marks the beginning of minor coastal flooding. Moderate coastal flooding begins when tides reach 8.5 feet and major flooding starts at 10.5 feet.

Coastal flooding remains likely through at least Saturday.(WMBF)

The Thursday morning high tide (around 7:00 A.M.) is forecast to produce a tide of 7.6 feet. By Friday morning’s high tide (around 8:00 A.M.), tide levels are forecast to reach nearly 8 feet. Tide levels will likely continue to run high through the weekend as well.

Tide levels over 7 feet typically produce standing salt water in the low-lying and flood-prone areas of the Grand Strand.

Coastal flood advisories will likely be issued for Thursday and Friday morning’s high tide and may be extended into the weekend as well.