If you’re out and about around Folly and the water along our coastline seems extremely high, it could be when king tides are in town. A natural phenomenon that occurs a few times a year, these tides can reach 7 ft. or higher — bringing with them the distinct possibility of coastal flooding.
Interestingly enough, although certainly now adopted as a colloquialism, the term “king tides” isn’t a scientific one. “The ‘king tide’ is an informal term given to high tides anywhere,” Brian McNold of the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science told Accuweather. “It’s just an alignment of the moon and sun that tugs our ocean farther away [or] toward the surface than normal.”
Think of it this way, puts National Geographic: all tides happen due to the gravitational pull of the moon and to a lesser extent the sun, right?
Since gravity is at its strongest at short distances, the moon exerts greater gravitational pull on the side of the Earth closest to it — the oceans on that side then are pulled more strongly toward the moon than the oceans on the other side. This is the gist of high and low tides, with the high tides being on the side affected more by the gravitational pull of the moon.
How do we get king tides?
In order for king tides to occur, a few specific things have to happen. First, when the moon, Earth, and sun align, the sun’s gravitational pull causes tides to be a bit higher. When this happens, it is called a spring tide. Additionally, a perigean tide occurs when the moon is at its closest approach to Earth on its elliptical orbit.
King tides are essentially the result of these two astronomical events syncing up, resulting in Earth, sun, and moon being as close as possible to each other in their relative orbits.
How often do king tides occur?
Because king tides occur naturally and regularly, they are fairly easy to predict. King tides occur once or twice every year
in coastal areas, like Charelston. In the United States, they are predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Over time, the frequency and effect of King Tide events may increase due to gradual mean sea level rise.
Is there any correlation between king tides and global warming?
Scientists underscore that king tides are a natural and cyclical phenomenon. However, you can look at them as somewhat of a preview of things to come. “We expect that it’s roughly equivalent to what a normal tide would look like under sea level rise in 50 years,” says Sara Aminzadeh, executive director of the California Coastkeeper Alliance.
Is there anything I should do during a king tide?
King tide events can be interesting to observe, but they also demand extra caution. Here’s how visitors and locals can stay safe, reduce risks, and show respect for Folly’s coastal ecosystem:
Safety Practices
- Avoid walking, wading, or driving through flooded areas. Even shallow water can conceal hazards such as debris, washed-out surfaces, or sudden drop-offs.
- Don’t park in low-lying or flood-prone zones. Move vehicles if water begins to rise.
- Use caution on roads and paths. Some streets and pathways may be unexpectedly submerged or slick, especially near dunes or beach access points.
- Stay aware of currents. Fast-moving water or undercurrents can be dangerous even for strong swimmers.
Respect the Shoreline and Wildlife
- Stay off dunes and vegetation. These features stabilize the beach and trap sand—damaging them can worsen erosion.
- Avoid disturbing wildlife. Animals and nests that usually remain dry may temporarily be inundated—keep your distance.
- Observe, don’t intervene. If you see erosion, washouts, or channels forming, take note (and optionally photos), but do not attempt to walk into or drive through these areas.
Be a Careful Observer
- Document from safe vantage points. Use higher ground or elevated walkways to take photos of flooding or unusual water levels—without placing yourself in danger.
- Know local reporting options. Some cities, universities, or coastal groups welcome community observations or images of extreme tides. (Check your local government or environmental-group websites for details.)
Plan Ahead
Schedule outdoor time smartly. If your plans include beach walks, photography, or shoreline exploration, aim for lower tide periods or times when the tide is receding.
Check tides and forecasts before heading out. Knowing when the highest tides occur can help you schedule safer windows for beach access. Check the Folly Beach tide chart.
Plan your route. Be aware of roads or causeways prone to inundation and have alternate routes in mind.
