Florida is bracing for a wet weekend as heavy rain and unusually high tides threaten coastal flooding from Miami to Charleston. But what exactly is a King Tide, and why could it make this weekend's flooding even worse?

Florida faces a soggy weekend as heavy rain and unusually high tides increase the risk of coastal flooding. Rising water could flood streets and low-lying coastal communities.

The culprit is a King Tide, a term used to describe some of the year's highest tides. These occur when the gravitational pull of the sun and moon combine to produce exceptionally high water levels. Even without a storm, King Tides can cause coastal flooding, especially in low-lying areas. This weekend's King Tide may cause coastal flooding from Miami to Charleston, S.C.

In southeast Florida, heavy downpours could make matters worse by adding rainwater to areas already dealing with elevated tides. Coastal residents should watch for flooded roads, especially around high tide, and avoid driving through standing water. Use the WeatherRadar to track incoming rain and stay ahead of the wet weather.