A powerful +12.66-foot high tide, combined with strong winds, battered the shorelines of South King County on Wednesday morning, Dec. 18, 2024, sending waves crashing onto waterfront properties and roads, and causing widespread damage.
The high tide event, occurring at around 8 a.m., brought significant water surges during an ongoing windstorm, intensifying conditions along the shoreline.
The Redondo Boardwalk in Des Moines was also hammered, as seen in a video below, shared by Susan White.
Video by Burien resident Sonja Ann captured waves pounding into and over the bulkhead of a waterfront home located on Maplewild Ave SW in Burien’s Three Tree Point shows the force of the combined tide and storm surge. Large logs were thrown around like toothpicks, leaving a big mess.
One resident who’s lived on Maplewild for over 18 years said this is the highest tide he’s ever experienced.
“Wow – it’s a debris log field over here…yikes!”
Another resident we talked to as he swept debris up on SW 172nd Street said this is the worst he’s ever seen, and he’s lived there for 24 years (his video below shows water and debris over the roadway). Many residents on that waterfront street were out cleaning debris from around their homes and the road Wednesday morning.
The storm caused concern for residents as water levels rose unusually high, with some areas experiencing localized flooding and debris washing ashore.
It should be noted though that Wednesday morning’s +12.66-foot high tide was not officially considered a “King Tide.”
Officials urged caution along coastal areas, particularly during winter high tides and wind events, which can create dangerous conditions for residents and property owners.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and advise waterfront residents to secure outdoor belongings and prepare for additional storm activity as forecasts develop
Videos
Below are videos showing the power of the combined tide and windstorm, as shared by eyewitnesses:
Angry waves unleashed a little bit of coastal flooding in Des Moines, WA 🌊
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) December 19, 2024
The Northwest is gearing up for multiple systems, bringing rounds of heavy rain! ☔#WAwx pic.twitter.com/Ve1vn38Ib3
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have any video or photos of this dramatic event, please email scott@southkingmedia.com, and we’ll consider using it.
