{"id":15310,"date":"2023-08-25T16:58:40","date_gmt":"2023-08-25T20:58:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/news\/?p=15310"},"modified":"2023-10-03T15:40:09","modified_gmt":"2023-10-03T19:40:09","slug":"safety-matters-king-tides-tropical-systems-and-warmer-waters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/safety-matters-king-tides-tropical-systems-and-warmer-waters\/","title":{"rendered":"Safety Matters: Tropical Systems, King Tides and Warm Waters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n

UPDATED Aug, 28, 2023 to include Idalia and Franklin.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

For Immediate Release:\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Contact: Katie Mosher,\u00a0kmosher@ncsu.edu<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Residents and visitors to coastal North Carolina should pay attention to safety notices from the local officials and the National Weather Service all this week as the region is already seeing a combination of factors \u2014 from summer heat impacts that have warmed waters to rip currents from Hurricane Franklin offshore and expectations for floodwaters from multiple systems.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Idalia is gathering strength and is expected to be a major hurricane when it makes landfall in Florida; that system will continue up the coastal states. The NC coast also will see king tides leading up to the full moon on Thursday. And heavy <\/span>rain early this week, not from Idalia, also will be a factor in flooding in many parts of the state.<\/p>\n

Erik Heden, warning coordinator for the National Weather Service office in Newport\/Morehead City, urges residents continue to check NWS updates throughout the week \u2014 and to have multiple ways to receive NWS alerts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

North Carolina Sea Grant partners with officials and researchers to provide safety messages on a variety of topics, such as:<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

High Temperatures Bring Warm Waters<\/b>
\nWarm temperatures have brought high heat indices in recent weeks for air temperatures, as well as warmer waters. Those warmer <\/span>coastal waters also have been a factor in <\/span>increased infections from Vibrio<\/b> this summer, including multiple deaths according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Thus anyone with open wounds should avoid contact with salty waters. With ANY sign of infection, seek medical attention immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVibrio are bacteria that normally live in warm seawater or brackish water (mixed salt and fresh water, as is found in an estuary or salt marsh) and can be found worldwide,\u201d <\/span>DHHS officials noted in a news release earlier this summer. <\/span><\/a>\u201cSince they are naturally found in warm waters, people with open wounds, cuts or scratches can be exposed to these bacteria through direct contact with seawater or brackish water. Vibrio can also cause disease in those who eat raw or undercooked oysters and shellfish.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For more information on Vibrio infections and minimizing risks, go to <\/span>cdc.gov\/vibrio<\/a> and go.ncsu.edu\/shellfish-safety-faqs<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Avoid Floodwaters from King Tides\u00a0<\/b>
\nThe National Ocean Service notes large high tides will enhance the potential for coastal flooding <\/b>Tuesday Aug 29 through Saturday, Sept. 2, notes Tim Armstrong, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wilmington.<\/p>\n

These “king tides,” the highest tides of the year, can rise above and surpass the tops of shorelines, bulkheads, and seawalls, leading to flooding in low-lying areas such as streets. \u201cResidents and visitors should watch for barricades. Turn around. Don\u2019t drown,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

Safety messages for the<\/span> water quality related to \u201cking tides\u201d<\/b> are included in a new <\/span>factsheet<\/a> and webpage<\/a><\/span> from NC Sea Grant that explains potential risks<\/span>\u00a0during the king tides.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile there have been very few published studies that have measured the water quality of tidal floods, it is important to consider the potential impact of water quality on public health in flooded areas. This is because people may walk or bicycle through tidal floodwaters and therefore come into contact with the floodwaters,\u201d lead author Natalie Nelson of NC State University and her team explain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf the water has poor quality, it may pose a health risk. Even after tidal floodwaters recede, contaminants can remain in the soil of yards, green areas (e.g., playgrounds), or in surrounding wetlands for months,\u201d they add, citing research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Their tips include:<\/span><\/p>\n