King Tides Return to Rhode Island Coast Friday and Saturday

Rhode Island's coastline will see another round of King Tides this week, with the next unusually high tides expected Friday and Saturday.

According to MyCoast Rhode Island, a King Tide is expected Friday, September 11, at 8:29 a.m., followed by another Saturday, September 12, at 9:14 a.m. Both tides are forecast at 0.8 feet above the average high tide. The tide times are based on Newport.

For a coastal community like Charlestown, the events provide an opportunity to observe how higher-than-normal tides affect roads, low-lying areas, waterways and other coastal infrastructure.

King tides are a natural occurrence and are not, by themselves, an indication that a storm or other severe weather event is approaching. However, Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management notes that low-lying coastal locations, including beaches, docks and roadways, can be vulnerable to tidal flooding. If a King Tide occurs at the same time as significant rainfall or a storm system, flooding can be more pronounced.

What are King Tides?

"King Tide" is a non-scientific term used to describe some of the highest seasonal tides of the year.

According to MyCoast Rhode Island, these tides occur naturally and are generally associated with astronomical conditions that increase the range between high and low tides. The effects can vary considerably from one location to another.

Some King Tides may produce little noticeable impact, while others can contribute to coastal erosion, flooding in low-lying areas or disruptions to normal activities.

Rhode Island's coastal communities are particularly relevant to this monitoring effort. DEM notes that King Tide flooding can provide a glimpse of what future high-tide flooding may look like as sea levels rise.

MyCoast asking residents to help

MyCoast Rhode Island is asking residents to photograph flooding, standing water and other impacts associated with the high tides.

The photographs are used to help document current coastal conditions and support research, planning and efforts to understand coastal vulnerability and future flood risks. MyCoast specifically recommends taking photographs near peak high tide and including familiar landmarks such as roads, sidewalks, buildings, parking areas, bridges, seawalls or shorelines to provide perspective.

Charlestown residents who see coastal impacts during Friday or Saturday's high tides can upload photographs through the MyCoast Rhode Island King Tides reporting system.

Residents should also use caution. MyCoast advises people to use good judgment and avoid dangerous situations, particularly if weather conditions deteriorate.

For Charlestown, the upcoming King Tides provide another opportunity to observe the relationship between the town's coastline and the changing conditions that can affect coastal communities.

The next scheduled Rhode Island King Tides after this weekend are October 27 and 28.