Seattle Warns Residents About 2026–27 Winter King Tides and Potential Flooding

Seattle Warns Residents About 2026–27 Winter King Tides and Potential Flooding

Seattle is preparing for another season of unusually high winter tides, with four periods of elevated water levels expected between November 2026 and February 2027.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is urging people who live, work or spend time near the region's tidal waters to monitor forecasts and prepare for possible flooding.

The city has identified four upcoming periods when predicted tides are expected to exceed 10 feet, measured against the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88).

Key Dates for the 2026–27 Winter Tide Season

Seattle Public Utilities has identified the following periods of seasonally high tides:

• November 25–29, 2026
• December 24–30, 2026
• January 22–27, 2027
• February 21–24, 2027

These are forecast periods rather than guarantees that flooding will occur on every date. Actual water levels and flood risks can change depending on weather conditions.

Why Winter Tides Can Cause Flooding

Winter months typically bring some of Seattle's highest tides. When unusually high tides coincide with heavy rainfall, strong winds or low atmospheric pressure, water levels can rise further and increase the risk of coastal and neighborhood flooding.

Seattle Public Utilities monitors tides, storms, atmospheric pressure and other weather conditions throughout the season.

This winter, the agency is also watching larger weather patterns, including a potential Super El Niño and Kelvin waves, which may contribute to higher water levels.

South Park Among the Areas to Monitor

Seattle's South Park neighborhood is one area where high tides can worsen existing drainage and flooding problems.

During periods of heavy rain and elevated tides, the neighborhood can experience stormwater flooding, sewer backups and water overtopping riverbanks.

Seattle Public Utilities encourages South Park residents and businesses to sign up for neighborhood-specific flood notifications and the city's AlertSeattle emergency notification system.

How Residents Can Prepare

People living near waterfronts and other flood-prone locations should take precautions before high-tide periods arrive.

Recommended steps include:

• Monitor weather forecasts and official tide information.
• Sign up for AlertSeattle emergency notifications.
• Keep valuables, electrical equipment and important documents away from areas that could flood.
• Avoid walking or driving through floodwater.
• Check drainage areas around homes and businesses for obstructions.
• Follow instructions from emergency responders and city officials.

Residents should remember that even when a high tide is predicted, local weather conditions can change the actual flooding risk.

Where to Get Updates and Report Flooding

Seattle Public Utilities recommends using the city's official resources to stay informed and receive emergency alerts.

For emergencies, call 911.

For urgent flooding, sewer backups or related problems, contact Seattle Public Utilities' 24-hour Operations Response Center at 206-386-1800.

People who live, work or visit South Park can also sign up for additional neighborhood flood notifications.

Seattle officials encourage residents to prepare ahead of the winter tide season rather than waiting until water levels begin rising.