HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — Next week, Sept. 16 through Sept. 22, the Hampton Roads area will experience higher than normal tides.

A King Tide, also known as Perigean-Spring Tides, refers to the time when the average high tide cycle is greater than 3.5 feet mean low water level (MLLW). These are the highest predicted tides of the year given the alignment of the moon, earth and sun and happen with the fall full/new moons in southeastern Virginia.

Other periods of amplified tides happen in the spring and summer, when the water level gets about 3-foot MLLW, but below 3.5-foot MLLW.

Typically, a tide level of ~3.5 feet to 4 feet doesn’t cause too many major issues. A 4-foot level is what’s known as nuisance tidal flooding. At this level, some areas along shorelines floods, along with docks and low lying areas right near the water level. A few roads in Norfolk also see some shallow water on them.

Complicating things next week however is the potential for an extended period of NE winds. These could result in higher than normal tides ,thanks to the wind and the moon. Parts of the area may experience minor tidal flooding (<4.5 feet), vs nuisance tidal flooding (~4 feet).

Each year, during King Tide events, volunteers are recruited to measure the water level using an app. The official event is Oct. 18-20 during the October King Tide.

If you live in Suffolk, they are hoping to recruit one to five volunteers to help record the King Tide in Suffolk. Catch the King (CTK) is an annual tide mapping event that recruits volunteers to collect flooding data during the Perigean tides—the highest tides of the year. This data is used to project future tide expectations. Nansemond River Preservation Alliance is hoping to have 1-3 locations tracked in Suffolk. Data is recorded through a phone app, so anyone can do it. Connect with Beth Cross if you would be interested in volunteering to help at a site or if you live on the water and would like to collect data. 

For more on Catch the King Tide 2024 across the entire region, visit the VIMS website.