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King Tides Flood Southern California Streets. What’s Ahead for the Northern California Coast?
King tides are flooding parts of Southern California, while coastal flood advisories are also in effect farther north. Humboldt Bay and Bay Area shorelines face flooding concerns, with some advisories extending into the weekend. North State residents heading to the coast should check local forecasts, watch for road closures and give rising water plenty of room.
Ocean water is flooding Southern California streets, and parts of Northern California are dealing with their own unusually high tides this week.
If you’re heading from the North State to the coast over the next couple of days, this is worth watching.
In Southern California, flooding has hit communities including Newport Beach and Long Beach. In Newport Beach, crews have been operating pumps, reinforcing sand berms and placing sandbags around vulnerable waterfront areas. A coastal flood warning remains in effect for Orange and San Diego counties through 1 p.m. Thursday, October 29th.
The National Weather Service says observed tides in that warning area have been running about 1.4 to 1.6 feet above astronomical predictions, increasing the threat to roads, homes and businesses.
Farther north, Humboldt Bay has a coastal flood advisory from noon to 3 p.m. today, Wednesday, October 28th. Forecasters say up to six inches of saltwater flooding is possible in vulnerable areas. Jackson Ranch Road in the Arcata Bottoms and several roads in King Salmon are among the locations likely to be affected. High tide at the North Spit gauge is expected at 1:13 p.m.
Around San Pablo Bay, San Francisco Bay and Monterey Bay, the coastal flood advisory now extends through 6 p.m. Saturday. The weather service says vulnerable shoreline areas could see up to 1.9 feet of flooding above ground level, with road closures and erosion possible. Bayshore areas of Marin County could see more substantial impacts.
For Thursday and Friday, high tide at the San Francisco gauge is forecast around 1:43 p.m. and 2:39 p.m., respectively. Those times are specific to that gauge. Nearby beaches and locations inside the bay can peak at different times.
So what are king tides?
The term describes exceptionally high tides driven by the positions of the moon, sun and Earth. Weather and ocean conditions can push water even higher. Rising sea levels also make it easier for high tides to flood places that previously stayed dry.
For those of us inland, the immediate concern is coastal travel and people we know along the shoreline. Conditions can differ considerably from one beach or bay to another.
Check the latest local advisories before heading out, give the ocean extra room and never drive through flooded roads. A beach that looks accessible when you arrive can lose its exit as the tide comes in.
Story By North State Now