Drenching rains are expected today and tonight, but those aren’t the primary reason why flood advisories are up along the Jersey and Delaware coasts.
The tides are being enhanced by steady onshore winds from the northeast, and they are getting an additional kick from the full moon.
The gravitational pull of the moon creates a “bulge” or lifting effect on bodies of water, raising the tidal levels.
Some minor flooding also is possible on the lower Delaware.
Here is the National Weather Service statement.
For Cliff’s Notes on the lunar effect, click on this site.
One postscript: Ordinarily we would be saddened to see clouds obscure the moon in late October. Moonlight on peak foliage is one of autumn's special attractions. Right now, however, it wouldn't have much colorful foliage to illuminate around here.
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