Update to an earlier report: This article includes new information about a story we previously covered. Read our earlier report.
Southeast Georgia’s coastal high tides could put road travel at risk this weekend through Wednesday, with Highway 80 potentially covered if water reaches about 10 feet.
The Saturday morning high tide is forecast for 7 a.m. at 9.8 feet. Sunday’s is expected around 8 a.m. at 10.1 feet. Coastal flooding and road inundation are concerns during both high tides.
A coastal low forming off the coast this weekend is expected to produce strong onshore flow, adding to the high-water concern. At around 10 feet, Highway 80 may be completely covered.
Morning high tides Monday through Wednesday could also leave some roads, including Highway 80, impassable. The highest tides of 2026 are forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 27-28.
The forecast coincides with a full moon on Oct. 26 and lunar perigee on Oct. 28. “King tide” is an informal term for exceptionally high tides. Higher-than-normal tides commonly occur around a full or new moon and when the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
Leave a Reply