Several East Coast states are expected to experience moderate to major flooding this week, with winds expected to raise water levels and exacerbate coastal erosion, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
In its forecast released Wednesday, the NWS warned of flooding as far south as Florida and as far north as Connecticut.
Major flooding is expected Thursday along the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and Maryland, with alerts issued in the region warning of inundation of one to two feet of water.
Why it matters
This threat has sparked concerns among residents in flood-prone areas about property damage and community safety.
There have been several deadly floods across the country in 2025, including the Guadalupe River flooding over the July 4 weekend that killed at least 150 people.
Although the current flood forecast is not associated with hurricane activity, it comes at the typical end of the Atlantic hurricane season.
What you need to know
Alerts were issued in at least eleven East Coast states Wednesday evening, warning of the risk of flooding that could damage properties and even endanger lives.
Forecasters warned of “widespread flooding in vulnerable areas” which could lead to damage to homes, businesses, vehicles and roads.
Flooding also threatens to make travel dangerous, with alerts warning drivers to avoid traveling unless necessary.
High tide will exacerbate these concerns in several areas, including Annapolis, where high tide levels could reach 4.2 feet late Thursday morning, according to an NWS alert.
“If this occurs, the Annapolis City Dock promenade is expected to be underwater, and many buildings will be flooded,” the alert states, adding, “Water will also affect several locations near City Dock, including portions of Compromise Street and several streets on the Naval Academy campus.
In North Carolina, flooding and dangerous surf conditions threaten residents and visitors, with potentially deadly rip currents.
“Inexperienced swimmers should stay out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions,” the NWS Morehead City advisory says, warning people to stay out of the water due to riptides, strong longshore currents and breaking waves.
What people say
The National Weather Service said in a Facebook post Wednesday: “Moderate to major coastal flooding is again forecast along the East Coast for the second half of this week. Persistent onshore winds are expected to raise water levels and lead to coastal erosion as low pressure moves up the coast.”
What happens next
The risk of flooding is expected to continue until Thursday in many areas along the coast.
