Return of the King Tides

The Oregon Coast will experience King Tides on December 5-6 and again from January 1-4. These extreme tides occur when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, Earth is near its closest point to the Sun, and all three celestial bodies are aligned, which amplifies gravitational forces affecting the ocean levels. Scientifically, these events are known as perigean spring tides.

Explore Lincoln City highlights the spectacular nature of these tides, noting that visitors often flock to the shoreline to observe, photograph, and marvel at the sheer power of the ocean.

Safety Guidelines for Oregon Coast Visitors

1. Prepare Before Visiting

• Check current weather conditions, tide charts, and fire restrictions before heading out. Winter storms combined with King Tides can create particularly dangerous situations.
• Sign up for emergency alerts at oralert.gov and install the FEMA app to receive notifications and guidance during emergencies in Oregon.

2. Plan for Emergencies

• Familiarize yourself with local tsunami evacuation routes, as sudden storms or tsunami warnings can occur. Maps are available in many coastal areas and online at oregontsunami.org.

3. Respect the Ocean's Strength

• Never turn your back on the ocean. Sneaker waves can appear without warning and pull objects and people into the sea.
• During storms, enjoy the coastline from a safe distance or remain indoors if conditions are severe.
• Be aware of rip currents and avoid swimming alone.

4. Move Carefully Across Coastal Terrain

• Coastal landscapes can be slippery and unstable. Avoid climbing on driftwood, rocks, or jetties, and be cautious near cliffs that may erode or collapse.

King Tides return annually along the Oregon Coast. While they can lead to flooding, erosion, and infrastructure damageespecially when paired with stormsthey also provide valuable opportunities for scientific research and land-use planning.

Author: Jackson Miller