What are King Tides? The natural phenomenon behind seasonal coastal flooding

THE TAKEAWAY

• King Tides is a non-scientific term commonly used to describe exceptionally high tides.
• King Tides occur several times a year.
• King Tides affect coastlines around the world.

Coastal flooding has been reported in several regions of the U.S., including parts of California and Florida, as King Tides bring unusually high-water levels to low-lying coastal communities.

SUPER EL NIÑO THEN AND NOW: HOW THIS YEAR'S STRENGTHENING EVENT COMPARES TO HISTORIC EXTREMES

These naturally occurring tides can inundate streets, flood waterfront neighborhoods and push seawater into areas that typically remain dry, particularly in regions with low elevations and poor drainage.

What are King Tides?

A King Tide is a non-scientific term commonly used to describe exceptionally high tides.

Tides are the regular rise and fall of ocean water, primarily driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun as they move through their respective orbits.

SEE IT: SEVERE STORMS LEAVE NEW MEXICO COMMUNITIES LITTERED WITH DAMAGE AND DOWNED TREES

How do King Tides form?

King Tides occur several times a year, although their timing and intensity vary by location.

Higher-than-normal tides can occur during a new or full moon, or when the moon is at its perigee.

On the other hand, King Tides can occur during a specific season around the country.

FLORIDA MANATEE LEFT STRANDED AS EXTREME LOW TIDE REVEALS HIDDEN DANGER OF KING TIDES

Some coastal areas experience their highest tides during the fall or winter, while others see them at different times of the year.

Where do King Tides occur?

King Tides affect coastlines around the world, including communities along the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts of the U.S. 

Low-lying neighborhoods, waterfront properties, beaches and coastal roads are particularly vulnerable to their effects.

WHAT IS A RIP CURRENT AND HOW TO SURVIVE ONE

What can King Tides do?

King Tides can cause coastal flooding, inundate streets and parking lots, disrupt transportation and accelerate beach erosion.

Seawater can also damage property and infrastructure, particularly in areas with poor drainage or low elevations.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Although King Tides do not always cause flooding, their impacts can worsen when they coincide with strong onshore winds, heavy rainfall or storm surge from coastal storms.

These factors can push water farther inland and increase flood levels.

HOW FLOODWATER CAN MAKE YOU VERY SICK

How does sea-level rise affect King Tides?

Rising sea levels are increasing the risk of high-tide flooding in many coastal communities. Because King Tides occur on top of the average sea level, even a modest rise in water levels can allow tides to reach areas that were previously dry.

Experts say that King Tides can provide a glimpse of how rising sea levels may affect vulnerable coastal areas in the future.

How can people prepare?

Residents in coastal areas should check local tide forecasts, monitor weather alerts and move vehicles and valuables away from flood-prone areas when necessary.

People should never drive through floodwaters or approach dangerous surf during high water.

THIS COMPANY IS FIGHTING THE SEA TO PROTECT NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL HOMES

While King Tides are a natural and predictable phenomenon, understanding their timing and potential impacts can help communities prepare for coastal flooding and other hazards.