Though there are many factors that combine to create local tidal effects, generally speaking, tides are produced as a result of the gravitational influence of one or more celestial bodies on another. read more
As a result, storm surge can be more serious if the storm strikes during the period in which the tide is especially high due to the combined gravitational effect of the Sun and Moon. In contrast, when the Moon appears to be in its first and last quarter phases the lunar and solar tides work against each other. read more
Sandy should make landfall on the New Jersey coast tonight as a Category 1 hurricane, with winds of at least 75 miles (120 kilometers) an hour. read more
Pair that with hurricane-level wind speeds this weekend, and we could be in for some serious flooding. The tides are caused by the combined gravitational tug of the Sun and the Moon on the Earth. Full moons occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth are perfectly aligned, with the Earth in between. read more