Tidewatch
A better way to view storm tides in Chesapeake Bay
Tidewatch is a system developed by VIMS emeritus professor John Boon that measures the difference between predicted tides and observed water levels at 9 locations within Chesapeake Bay. This difference—the residual—represents non-tidal, weather-induced change in water level including storm surge.
Tidewatch charts provide an effective way to measure, visualize, and predict the magnitude and impacts of coastal flooding in a given location. The use of Tidewatch charts can help forecasters and coastal residents better prepare for storm tides and minimize their potential impacts. They are particularly useful for comparing storm tides in areas with different tidal ranges.
Tidewatch Stations
Tidewatch operates at 9 stations in lower Chesapeake Bay. Access station data from the links or Google Map below.
| Sewell's Point (SWPT) | Windmill Point (WMPT) |
| Jamestown Ferry Pier (JMTN): raw data | Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) |
| Dandy Haven Marina (BRDH): raw data | Money Point (MNPT) |
| Yorktown Coast Guard Training Center (YRCG) | Kiptopeke (KIPT) |
| Bishops Head, MD (BISH) |
Click a push-pin to view a Tidewatch table for each location. For instructions on how to read the Tidewatch tables, visit our Background page. View Larger Map
