What the radar means — and what it does not.
Is CoastEventRadar a tide chart?
No. NOAA already publishes excellent tide predictions. We use those predictions as one input and rank unusual, useful windows across locations and activities.
Does a high score mean the water is safe?
No. Scores describe timing and interest, not personal safety. Check NWS alerts, lifeguards, local closures and posted warnings.
Why only 16 locations?
A curated station-to-place relationship is more useful than thousands of auto-generated city pages. Coverage expands when the source mapping adds real value.
Can the site predict whales?
No. The wildlife pulse summarizes recent public observations and their recency. It does not promise future presence.
Why is the 30-day view missing weather?
Because NWS does not publish a trustworthy 30-day point weather forecast. The 30-day tool intentionally limits itself to astronomical tide opportunities and daylight.
What is a water-level anomaly?
Observed NOAA water level minus the nearest same-datum astronomical prediction. Positive means the gauge is running above prediction at that timestamp; it does not automatically mean flooding.