This year could be marked by a wave of extremely high tides in Britain as a result of a rare alignment between the moon, sun and the earth.
The unusual alignment is expected to increase the pull of gravity on the seas at certain points in 2015, leading to the occurrence of supertides and an expected increased risk of coastal flooding.
Astronomer Dr Edward Bloomer, of the Royal Observatory Greenwich, explained that this year’s phenomenon, where the moon, sun and earth all form a line, is likely to cause more ferocious tides than normal as the force pulling free standing water is increased.
There may be about six supertide periods during 2015 and three are causing experts to be particularly concerned. One has already passed without having any dramatic effect and the next one is due on the Vernal Equinox on March 21. The Autumnal Equinox poses the next risk on September 23. Spring tides during the equinoxes are usually significantly bigger than usual anyway, according to the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office’s deputy head of tides, Colin Shepherd.
Dr Bloomer warned that these tides could have a particular effect on areas already prone to flooding or if they follow a period of heavy rainfall. A spokesman for the environment agency sought to allay fears, however, even for those people who already regularly check tide times and conditions as a result of flooding fears. They pointed out that even extremely high tides would not necessarily cause coastal flooding without the contributing combination of strong winds and low pressure.
Those people who live or work in areas prone to coastal flooding are being urged to keep abreast of tidal movements and to check regularly for Environment Agency warnings, as well as signing up for free flood alerts.
