January 2, 2026 — U.S. Coasts
Communities along the Pacific Coast, including Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area, are under active coastal flood warnings and advisories as exceptionally high tides — driven by a rare alignment of natural forces — coincide with storm-driven surge and wind, raising the risk of flooding in shoreline and low-lying areas. NBC Bay Area+1
Warnings in Effect
-
Northern California coast (Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte): A Coastal Flood Warning is in place for Friday and Saturday mornings as tides could approach record levels, potentially surpassing those seen in decades past. Early gauges at Humboldt Bay already recorded one of the highest tides on record, with more extreme water levels forecast.
-
San Francisco Bay Area & Pacific Coast: A Coastal Flood Advisory remains active through Sunday afternoon, with forecasters warning that surge combined with astronomical king tides could push 2–2.5 feet of water above typical tide levels in vulnerable areas. NBC Bay Area
Why This Is Happening
The heightened flood threat is linked to a convergence of unusual atmospheric and celestial factors:
-
A full moon increases gravitational pull, amplifying tidal effects.
-
The Earth’s closest approach to the sun (perihelion) and the moon’s proximity to Earth intensify tides — commonly referred to as king tides.
-
A Pacific storm system is driving strong southerly winds and elevated storm surge, which can push ocean waters higher onshore and into estuaries and bay shorelines.
Meteorologists have noted that this combination produces “exceptionally high tides,” raising flood risks in places like the Embarcadero in San Francisco and other low-lying neighborhood streets and coastal infrastructure.
Impacts Already Being Felt
-
Sausalito and parts of Marin County reported early signs of flooding, with water spilling onto roads and into waterside buildings earlier in the week — a precursor of what may occur again at peak tide times this weekend.
-
Road closures and flooded access points have been reported in low-lying Marin and Bay Area locales, with authorities urging motorists and pedestrians to avoid water-covered routes.
Public Safety and Official Guidance
Local emergency services and weather authorities are advising coastal residents and visitors to:
-
Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters — even shallow water can be dangerous.
-
Monitor tide charts and forecast updates from the National Weather Service.
-
Prepare for isolated flooding in vulnerable neighborhoods, piers, and waterfront streets during peak high tides.
-
Secure outdoor property and be alert for potential downed trees or power lines during strong wind periods accompanying the storm.
Looking Ahead
The combination of king tides and storm surge is expected to persist through Saturday and into Sunday, with the highest threats likely during morning high tides. While widespread damage isn’t forecast, localized flooding, road inundation, and coastal overtopping remain possible — especially in historically prone areas.
0 Comments