King Tides in Westport
King tides and storm watching created an unforgettable weekend in Westport. Mother Nature put on a show of epic proportions with an eleven-foot high tide and the wave heights reaching over twenty feet. Standing in the safety of the observation tower at the Westport Marina, visitors got a front-row view to feel and see the power of the ocean. Their cheers, only slightly muffled by the sounds of the surf, could be heard throughout the marina.
Waves crashed into the seawall, effortlessly pitching over millions of gallons of water carrying logs, stumps, boulders, and other marine debris. The roads quickly filled with water as the drainage could not keep up with the water and debris tossed into town. The tide was so high, the typically steep ramps leading to the docks were almost level with the road. It was a day we won’t soon forget!
Westport Marina Observatory Tower 11/15/2020
What is a King Tide?
So, what is a king tide? A king tide is a significant tidal event, and in the simplest terms described by the Washington Sea Grant, “king tide is colloquially used to describe an extremely high tide. Ordinary tides are caused by the gravitational pull between the Earth and the moon; king tides happen when astronomical events amplify that pull.”
Where can I safely watch?
King tides are incredible to watch, but you must be very careful when viewing such extreme conditions. We recommend watching from the observation tower at the Westport Marina. You must be cautious when approaching the tower, as waves and debris may come over the rock wall and rush past the tower and into the street. We do not recommend watching from the Light Trail at the marina, as waves can crash unexpectedly over the seawall causing great harm as it carries logs and other ocean debris, along with the sheer power of the ocean.
On the dune at Westport Light State Park, you will get a great view of the jetty and beach, and if you look over The Cove towards the marina, you will get an excellent view of the waves hitting the wall in front of the observation tower. The Light Trail between Vacations by the Sea and Westhaven State Park is also a safe place to walk and see the ocean.
What do I need to know?
Safety first: Stay off the beaches at and around high tide. Waves can quickly cover the entire beach, and you can be sucked out into the ocean as it retracts. Do not go onto the beach until low tide for beachcombing and clean up.
Do not risk your life for a selfie! Stay in safe areas; do not stand where water is coming over the wall.
Keep a close eye on children and each other! We want everyone to enjoy safely!!
Come prepared: If you are going to the observation tower to watch, please note that flooding is possible. Be aware so you can move your car if necessary or park on higher ground away from the ocean and walk to the observation tower. We also recommend wearing tall boots and don’t forget a change of clothes if you get wet. Check out our packing list for ideas. There’s a lot of water spray in the air even when it’s not raining.
Video by Capture.Share.Repeat.
