One year ago this month, St. Augustine flooded without a hurricane anywhere nearby. It was a reminder that in a low-lying city, ordinary weather can now do serious damage.
What happened
The Flagler College Gargoyle reported that in October 2025 a nor’easter combined with strong winds, king tides and a supermoon to flood downtown St. Augustine. Multiple streets closed, including the Bridge of Lions, and water reached about a foot or more in places such as Ribiera Street. Flooding also hit the downtown historic district, Lincolnville, Davis Shores, Anastasia Island and bayfront streets.
Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder, a natural sciences professor at Flagler College, told the paper simply: “It didn’t use to flood.”
What’s being done
According to the Gargoyle, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Jacksonville District is running the Back Bay Study, a feasibility study looking at coastal storm risk, erosion and flooding across St. Johns County using projections from 2035 to 2085. Locally, the city is pursuing projects including the Lake Maria Sanchez stormwater project and the Avenida Menendez seawall, along with a flood mitigation assistance program.
This month’s king tides
The same ingredients are back this October. The City of St. Augustine’s 2026 calendar lists king tides on October 9 to 13 and 25 to 30. If a nor’easter lines up with them, expect the same streets to flood. See our guide to this month’s king tides.
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Questions and answers
Why did St. Augustine flood in October 2025?
A nor’easter combined with king tides and a supermoon, according to the Flagler College Gargoyle.
What is the Back Bay Study?
An Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study of coastal storm risk, erosion and flooding across St. Johns County.
When are the next king tides?
The city’s 2026 chart lists October 9 to 13 and October 25 to 30.
This article is general information drawn from the sources listed below. It is not professional, legal, insurance or restoration advice. DIY-DRY is an equipment rental company.
Sources
- The Flagler College Gargoyle, “St. Augustine searches for new solutions to downtown flooding”, Jan. 15, 2026 – gargoyle.flagler.edu
- City of St. Augustine, “King Tide Chart and Prediction” – citystaug.com