Water Levels Rise 1.9 Feet Above Normal in Northern California

Coastal infrastructure along the eastern and western United States faces stress from elevated tides that began earlier this week. Forecasters warn that conditions may persist into the weekend as multiple environmental factors converge.

In Northern California, high tides reached 1.9 feet above normal levels. Roger Gass, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Monterey, noted that coastal flooding typically occurs within an hour and a half of peak high tide. The weather service expects minor flooding to continue through Saturday in low-lying areas and tidal waterways.

Specific weather patterns amplified the gravitational pull of the full moon. Chris Fisher, a meteorologist in Miami, identified strong high pressure to the north and low pressure over the Caribbean as drivers of increased swells in Florida. In California, an ongoing super El Niño event warmed the ocean and increased seawater volume. Gass also cited Kelvin waves, which are pulses of warm water that raise sea levels, as a contributing factor.

Residents and businesses in Southern California adapted to the rising water. In Huntington Beach, people placed sandbags outside homes on Wednesday to block floodwaters. Some commuters used paddleboards and surfboards to navigate streets. Stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway were closed, and tides in Orange and San Diego counties approached record levels.

Florida experienced widespread impacts on its Atlantic coast, which remained under flood warnings through early Friday. Virginia Key in Miami recorded its highest king tide and third-highest water level since records began three decades ago. Fisher stated that higher levels previously occurred only during hurricanes. In Fort Lauderdale, drivers navigated flooded streets near marinas and convention centers to reach a major boat show.

The Carolinas also reported disruptions. Street flooding occurred in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Rip currents were possible as far north as the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Fisher described the week as rough for beaches, noting high surf and a high risk of rip currents that are expected to continue through the weekend.