Coastal Weather
King Tide Explained: Very High Tides, Coastal Flooding, and Sea Level Context
What king tides are, why they matter for coastal flooding, and how they reveal vulnerable roads, docks, and neighborhoods.
Quick answer: King tide is an informal term for especially high astronomical tides that can make coastal flooding more likely in vulnerable places.
Astronomical setup
Tides are influenced by the positions of the moon, sun, and Earth.
Some tide cycles produce higher-than-normal water levels even without a storm.
Weather boost
Onshore wind, low pressure, waves, and rain can push water higher during an already high tide.
That is when nuisance flooding can become more disruptive.
Why it matters
King tides show which places are close to regular flooding thresholds.
Photos and reports can help communities understand future flood risk.