The king tides are back, and they’re causing some flooding in Boston and across New England
It’s that time of the year again. Sure, the holiday season has returned, but so have — this week, at least — the king tides.
The astronomically caused ultra-high tides peaked in Boston just before noon Tuesday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Reaching more than two feet higher than average daily high tides, the seasonal occurrence produced minor flooding in low-lying areas along the East Coast.
[Noon] Boston tide peaking around 12.5 ft, which is producing minor flooding of low lying areas along the east coast.
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) December 5, 2017
As in years past, Boston’s Long Wharf was among the areas particularly affected.
Today’s #KingTide hit at 11:59 AM at Long Wharf. Take pictures of your own? Share them with @BostonHarborNow! #BostonHarbor #Coastalflooding pic.twitter.com/RPnHhgoeAR
— Boston NHP (@bostonNHP) December 5, 2017
High tide flooding out Long Wharf in #Boston. Imagine if we actually had a storm today. Or another 1-2 feet of sea level rise. #wbz pic.twitter.com/f5Nxv5ngzQ
— Eric Fisher (@ericfisher) December 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/Multimodalmama/status/938095131370115072
The #KingTide out on Long Wharf is worth checking out right now. Scary this might happen every high tide in a few decades… pic.twitter.com/enfyEUEeb4
— Cody Pajic (@CodyPajic) December 5, 2017
King tide flooding along Long Wharf. #climate #mapoli pic.twitter.com/drutsOvSZu
— Nick Black (@nicholasrblack) December 5, 2017
As several observers noted on social media, such super-high tides may be fun for the moment — but not so much when they become an everyday reality due to projected sea level rise.
Minor flooding due to the king tides Tuesday could be seen up the coasts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Highest I’ve seen behind Shaw’s, Liberty Plaza, East Boston. Still backing up the storm drain. pic.twitter.com/A8bLiomCNg
— Harborkeepers (@Harborkeepers) December 5, 2017
Portside Pier One, Pier 66, after super high tide. Water backed up the storm drain here as well. pic.twitter.com/KZk5qzc3RT
— Harborkeepers (@Harborkeepers) December 5, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcVGW3YH7Ty/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcVCa6Cjz2D/
Hampton NH Harbor high tide https://t.co/SzKTUAdK3I
— Joel Albair (@Joelalbair) December 5, 2017
@ericfisher @RyanBretonWX @JackieNBCBoston @NEweatherHQ #KingTide Hampton Harbor NH. Tide still coming in. pic.twitter.com/5uiEoe8ZY4
— Joel Albair (@Joelalbair) December 5, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcVE0lllcTu/
