Image: Waves at Umdloti, Kwazulu Natal in March 2007 (Click on image for larger view.)
With equinoxes comes very high tides. These occur a day or two after the full or new moon nearest to the equinoxes. Equinox tides combined with strong winds and high seas caused by a cyclone off the coast of Madagascar resulted in severe damage along the Kwazulu Natal coast in March 2007. The entire east coast of KwaZulu Natal was subjected to the awesome natural force of giant 10m waves and it took a violent lashing from the power of the sea.
Be prepared for high tides and people living
close to coastal and tidal areas should expect the highest tides of the
year this week. The weather is a major influence on whether the
tides will cause problems. However, it is important that everyone living
on the coast or in a tidal area is aware of the risk and is prepared. Bathers should be very cautious of rip currents normally associated with high tides. Several drownings occurred recently in Mossel Bay as a result of rip currents. Be aware and do not swim in areas were rip currents are active.
