North Carolina is just one state experiencing some level of loss in its coastal forests.
Some deem these "ghost forests."
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Ghost forests, according to the National Ocean Service, are "watery remains of a once verdant woodland."
The depletion of these coastal forests can be attributed to the increase in salt water infecting trees that rely on fresh water.
Sea level rise projections
Sea level rise is partially to blame for the invasion of salt water on these forests, and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is forecasting levels to continue rising.
It says that, by the year 2050, sea level rises along the Southeast Coast will rise by 1 foot to 1.4 feet.
King tides/supermoons
King tides are something that have become more common knowledge recently. A tide is the ebb and flow of long-period ocean waves in response to the gravitational pull from the sun and moon.
King tides, however, happen either when the moon is full or the moon is at perigee. Perigee is the closest point to Earth in the moon's orbit.
When the moon is full and at perigee, it is a "supermoon," appearing slightly larger and brighter.
WRAL wrote about the next three supermoons earlier in the week.
This can also play a roll in the king tide along a given coast.
King tides are forecast along North Carolina's Outer Banks into the weekend of October 11 and October 12.
These king tides lead to coastal flooding - with or without the presence of a storm. That salty water from the increased tide can then "poison" trees that thrive on freshwater environments.
A weekend Nor'Easter
Once we get into the weekend, WRAL meteorologists will be tracking a significant Nor'Easter that develops along the South Carolina and North Carolina coastline.
Though its inland impacts waver with the model runs, one thing is consistent. There will be periods of heavy rain, strong wind and coastal erosion. This is especially the case for the Outer Banks.
It's a sentiment echoed by the National Weather Service in Morehead City.
Have questions about the weather and how it works?
Send me an email with the subject line 'Ask the Meteorologist:' to cmichaels@pugongyingbo.com.