King tides bring higher water levels to coastlines of Virginia, Carolinas

King tides bring higher water levels to coastlines of Virginia, Carolinas

King tides, unusually high tides occurring a few times a year, can exacerbate storm-driven flooding. The coastlines of Virginia and the Carolinas are currently experiencing this phenomenon, making storms during this period particularly damaging. It was witnessed firsthand in North Carolina on Monday. These tides occur during full and new Moons, as well as perigee, when the Moon is closest to Earth and aligned with the Sun. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science is at the forefront of king tide research, with Assistant Professor J. Derek Loftis leading the charge. He joins FOX Weather with more on his team's key findings on king tides, and how can this knowledge be applied to coastal resilience.