As Charleston locals we are accustomed to the high tides, but have you ever heard of King Tides? The term ‘King Tide’ is a non-scientific term used to describe extremely high tides. In Charleston, the average tide is about 5.5 feet, but during a King Tide, it can reach 7ft or higher. These tides occur when the moon is either new or full and is closest to the earth in its monthly orbit.

Effects of King Tide can vary, sometimes these tides can go un-noticed but other times they are extreme and cause damage. They are known to cause coastal erosion and flooding in low-level areas and can hinder day-to-day activities if roads are shut down.

Environmentalists are asking people to start documenting King Tides to show the impact of the tides over time as these are a glimpse of future everyday water levels. They also say that highlighting King Tides can be crucial in potential sea-level rise impacts and identifying flood-prone locations. 

For more information on King Tides or how to help document them check out https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-04/documents/king_tides_factsheet.pdf or https://www.scdhec.gov/environment/your-water-coast/ocean-coastal-management/coastal-zone-management/coastal-hazards/king.