The RI King Tides Initiative

2024 King Tides

  • May 6, 7:21 PM, 0.93′
  • June 4, 7:03 PM, 0.80′
  • June 5, 7:54 PM, 0.83′
  • August 22, 10:22 AM, 0.83′
  • August 23, 11:18 AM, 0.80′
  • September 18, 8:24 AM, 0.97′
  • September 19, 9:12 AM, 1.15′
  • September 20, 10:02 AM, 1.15′
  • September 21, 10:54 AM, 0.98′
  • October 16, 7:13 AM, 0.91′
  • October 17, 8:02 AM, 1.20′
  • October 18, 8:51 AM, 1.29′
  • October 19, 9:41 AM, 1.19′
  • October 20, 10:33 AM, 0.92′
  • November 15, 6:43 AM, 1.10′
  • November 16, 7:33 AM, 1.11′
  • November 17, 8:23 AM, 0.95′

King tides noted are those in daylight hours.
Times & tides for Newport
Elevation is above average high tide – Mean Higher High Water (MHHW)

Todayā€™s King Tides are tomorrow’s daily tides. MyCoast-RI King Tide monitoring helps to document the effect that extreme tide events have on our stateā€™s beaches, coastal waterways, private property, and public infrastructure. This high-tide floodingā€”which has also been called nuisance or sunny-day floodingā€”causes short-term public inconveniences such as flooded streets and closed roads. Over longer periods, chronic flooding can strain city budgets and compromise infrastructure. As global sea level rises, so will the frequency and depth of high-tide flooding.

The term ā€œKing Tideā€ is a non-scientific term used to describe the highest seasonal tides that occur each year. These tides occur naturally and are typically caused when a spring tide (when the sun, moon, and earth align during a new and full moon, increasing tide ranges) takes place when the moon is closest to Earth during the 28-day elliptical orbit (known as a perigee).

The effect of individual King Tides may vary considerably. In some cases, they may barely even be noticed. In other cases, a King Tide may cause coastal erosion, flooding of low-lying areas and disruption to normal daily routines. This is particularly true when a King Tide event coincides with significant precipitation because water drainage and runoff is impeded.

We Need Your Help

MyCoast-RI needs your help to capture photographs of King Tide events. Our team uses the photographs to better understand the issues of today and changes in the future. They support efforts to validate, analyze, and communicate coastal vulnerability and associated planning initiatives throughout our coastal neighborhoods. Photographs may also be used in presentations, publications, and on its website.

Tips for Effective King Tide Photos

  • Check out these tips for getting great MyCoast photos!
  • Take pictures at or near peak high tide.
  • Take pictures where the impact of the tide can be gauged against familiar landmarks like buildings, roads, sidewalks, parking lots, jetties, bridges, sea walls, shorelines, or bulkheads.
  • Taking contrasting shots of peak high and peak low tides helps to show the tidal variability.
  • Be Safe! Use good judgment when you are taking your photos. Stay away from dangerous situations particularly in stormy conditions and avoid taking risks.

Selected King Tide Photos