A king tide became a royal pain with strong winds and extreme waves pounding Port of Port Townsend properties Tuesday morning.

The tide was much higher than predicted and floodwaters inundated facilities across the port’s jurisdiction, from Point Hudson to Mats Mats to Quilcene.

The flooding prompted an emergency declaration by the port Dec. 27.

Roadways, piers, and floats had to be closed pending further assessment, though port executive director Eron Berg said he was hopeful that the marine lifts at Boat Haven would be able to continue operation.

“It’s everywhere,” Berg said of the flooding.

At the Northwest Maritime Center, a massive log was seen bashing against the railings, causing possible damage to the structure.

By 10:15 a.m., the waters had begun to recede, but it was still unknown when facilities would be able to safely reopen.

The storm surge, severe weather, high winds, and extreme waves persisted even as the tide receded.

“Allowing erosion and subsidence to occur without immediate action could endanger safe use of port facilities and cause risk of harm to people and substantial fiscal losses to the port,” Berg wrote in the emergency declaration.

A coastal flood advisory from the National Weather Service was set to remain in effect from through
10 p.m. Tuesday.

The flooding followed a tough stretch of winter weather, with heavy snowfall causing schools to close last week, followed by a freezing rain Friday that closed roads, government offices, and local businesses.