King tides will slam into the coast of Grays Harbor starting Friday, and hitting our shores through Sunday.

Combined with forecasts of extremely stormy weather, hazardous beach conditions will come with the king tides, offering both danger and a storm chaser’s dream come true.

Optimal viewing spots include Damon Point in Ocean Shores and the tower viewing at Westport.

“Remember to be safe,” warned the group Sea Grant Washington. “Be extra careful when walking on slippery surfaces and be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of weather conditions and big waves. Always stay a safe distance away from waves. Remember to obey safety signage and guard rails. Never turn your back on the ocean.

The Grays Harbor County Emergency Management warned on Tuesday about the stormy weather.

“Fall storms are officially approaching,” emergency management stated in a news release Tuesday afternoon. “At 4 p.m. this afternoon (Tuesday), our outer coast goes into a High Wind Warning and inland Grays Harbor County goes into a High Wind Advisory until 4 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday). Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.”

Emergency management also posted a High Surf Advisory through Tuesday afternoon, and a Coastal Flood Warning goes into effect at 7 a.m. Wednesday until 1 p.m.

“Coastal flooding due to high tides and storm surge is expected,” emergency management stated. “This is expected to lead to numerous road closures. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure may be inundated. Shoreline erosion or damage may occur. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.”

Emergency management added do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.

“Right now, the river gauges are still maintaining their forecasts to stay below the Flood Action levels. Thunderstorms remain possible for tomorrow. Stay safe out there,” emergency management concluded.

What is a king tide?

In the simplest terms, 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.

Winter king tides happen when the sun is closest to the Earth in its orbit — a position called perihelion. The sun reaches this position in early January each year.

Westport king tides:

Nov. 15 — 11:33 a.m. — 11.0

Nov. 16 — 12:16 p.m. — 11.1

Nov. 17 — 1:00 p.m. — 10.9

Dec. 14 — 11:09 a.m. — 11.0

Dec. 15 — 11:56 a.m. — 11.0

Dec. 16 — 12:43 p.m. — 10.8

Jan. 12 — 10:55 a.m. — 10.5

Jan. 13 — 11:46 a.m. — 10.6

Jan. 14 — 12:34 p.m. — 10.4