NOAA report warns of more high tide flooding as sea levels rise

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A new report out from NOAA says that more flooding could become the norm in coastal Washington areas.

In its annual State of High Tide Flooding and 2022 Outlook report, NOAA said that high tide flooding has become more common as sea levels rise.

Floods that used to only occur during large storms now occur more regularly from simple causes, such as full-moons or changes in currents and winds.

In Washington state, there is over an 80% chance that ten or more flood events will occur each year.

High tide flooding is defined as the overflow or excess accumulation of ocean water at high tide that covers low-lying areas.

It typically occurs when tides reach up to two feet above the daily average high tide and starts spilling onto streets or bubbling up from storm drains.