The highest tides of the year are back on the First Coast. The City of St. Augustine’s 2026 king tide calendar lists October 9–13 as the next stretch, and on October 7 St. Johns County Fire Rescue told News4Jax that crews are getting ready as rain keeps falling across the county.
What a king tide is
King tides are the highest tides of the year, when the moon and sun line up to pull the ocean a little higher than usual. On its king tide page, the City of St. Augustine notes that these tides often bring minor flooding to coastal and low-lying areas, and that the flooding gets worse when a storm or heavy rain lines up with the high tide. That is exactly the mix this week has brought.
Where the water tends to show up
In past king tide alerts, the city has named flood-prone areas such as Lincolnville, the Maria Sanchez Lake area and South Davis Shores. This week, News4Jax reported that Fire Rescue is watching Flagler Estates, the City of St. Augustine and coastal communities around the county. On the morning of October 7, high water was already pushing close to the pier at Vilano Beach.
St. Johns County Fire Rescue Engineer Chris Naff, who has close to 20 years with the department, told the station that the county deals with nor’easters “on a pretty regular basis,” and that the marine rescue division and coastal stations are ready.
The rest of the 2026 king tide dates
- October 9–13
- October 25–30
- November 7–9
- November 23–27
Dates are from the City of St. Augustine’s 2026 king tide chart. The city also links to a live water level gauge on the same page.
What local officials said
Local officials urged drivers not to drive through standing water, since its depth is hard to judge, and to go slowly where driving is unavoidable, because a passing car’s wake can push water into homes and garages. They also urged people not to park in low spots that flood at high tide and to stay out of the water.
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Questions and answers
When are the next king tides in St. Augustine?
October 9–13 and October 25–30, then November 7–9 and November 23–27, according to the city’s 2026 king tide chart.
Is it safe to drive through king tide flooding?
Local officials say no. The depth is hard to judge, and wakes from cars push water toward homes. Turn around and find another way.
Why is flooding worse this week?
The city notes that king tide flooding gets worse when heavy rain or a storm arrives at the same time. This week, the high tides are lining up with a rainy stretch.
Where does king tide flooding usually show up in St. Augustine?
In past alerts, the city has named areas such as Lincolnville, the Maria Sanchez Lake area and South Davis Shores.
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
- News4Jax, “St. Johns County Fire Rescue prepares for flooding, king tides as rain continues,” Oct. 7, 2026 – news4jax.com
- City of St. Augustine, King Tide Chart and Prediction – citystaug.com
- City of St. Augustine, king tide alert, Oct. 14, 2024 – citystaug.com