The Charleston Harbor tidal gauge logged more records in 2020.
It recorded 68 tidal floods — the second-most ever at the station.
The highest year, when water levels reached 7 feet or higher 89 times, was in 2019.
The database of flood events maintained by the National Weather Service dates to 1953.
2020 also brought the highest ever amount of “major” tidal floods, when water levels rise to 8 feet, causing significant disruption in the region. That happened seven times last year, which is an even more remarkable milestone considering the region was not directly affected by a hurricane.
While 2020′s records are just one data point, it’s another sign that tidal flooding in the city driven by man-made climate change is worsening. The pace of flooding is speeding up, according to institutions such as the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, which has plotted an exponential trend of higher seas for Charleston.
While 2020′s records are just one data point, it’s another sign that tidal flooding in the city driven by manmade climate change is worsening. https://t.co/Ts25zkXN7V
— The Post and Courier (@postandcourier) January 5, 2021