The everyday name for tidal flooding on clear days, when spring or perigean high tides push seawater up through storm drains and over low seawalls. It is used by residents, city staff and reporters; scientists and agencies prefer high tide flooding. The phrase stresses that the water comes from the sea, so pumps and drains built for rain do not stop it without backflow valves.
Sunny-day flooding again at the marina lot, saltwater coming straight up through the drains.
Also heard as
- clear-sky flooding
- nuisance flooding
Related terms
High tide flooding
Shallow coastal flooding that happens when ordinary high tides exceed a local flood threshold, often without a storm.
King tide
Informal name for the highest tides of the year, usually perigean spring tides.
Perigean spring tide
An especially large spring tide that occurs when new or full moon falls close to the Moon's nearest approach to Earth.
MHHW
Mean Higher High Water: the average height of the higher of each day's two high waters over the datum epoch.