Upcoming King Tide Event: Snap the Shore, See the Future

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High tides are predicted during the May new moon. Head to the shore on May 6-7 and join the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, URI Coastal Resources Center, Rhode Island Sea Grant and Save The Bay to capture this year’s highest tides, often called King Tides, Spring Tides or Moon Tides. These extreme tide levels provide a glimpse of what the state can expect as sea level rise accelerates with climate change, where this could be our daily high tide by mid-century. Participating is easy: simply grab your camera or smart phone and head to the bay, tidal river or ocean during the high tides, install the free MyCoast app and submit your photos!
If you don’t have access to a smart phone, simply go to MyCoast.org and upload your photos on the website.
All times indicated are for Newport (for other locations see below):

  • May 6 – 7:55 PM; 1.1 feet above mean high water
  • May 7 –8:45 PM; 1.2 feet above mean high water

Tide data provided courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
What if I don’t live in Newport?
Check online for your local high tide times. For example, high tide varies at different locations, referenced to Newport High Tide:

  • Newport: 0 minutes
  • Wickford +3 minutes
  • Providence: +13 minutes
  • Weekapaug: +41 minutes
  • Bristol: +13 minutes
  • Block Island – Old Harbor: -13 minutes

If you are in enclosed tidal body or salt pond, the tides can be an hour or more later than in the open ocean/bay.