Largest Supermoon of 2022 Could Bring Coastal Flooding: NWS

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Statement for southern Westchester County from midnight to 2 a.m. Thursday.

In its coastal hazard message, the NWS said there could be up to one-half foot of inundation above ground level expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline.

Drivers are warned to not drive through flooded roadways.

SEE: Full Buck Supermoon: When To Watch In New York

Supermoon isn't an astronomical term, but one coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 to explain the effect of perigee when it occurs during a full moon.

While the moon will not be quite as close to Earth Monday overnight as it was in the morning, the moon is still much closer than usual. Because of this proximity, the moon is exerting a much stronger gravitational pull on oceans than usual, creating higher tides than would ordinarily be expected.

The resulting so-called unusually high tides are expected to cause only minor flooding in our area.

The July full moon is called a full buck moon because it's the time of year the antlers of male deer are in full growth. Deer shed and regrow their antlers every year, "producing a larger and more impressive set as the years go by," according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.

Patch's Michael Woyton contributed to this report.