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A Perfect Storm: Waves and Tides Could Flood Bay Area Shorelines This Week
KQED • • nation
Key Points:
- The National Weather Service warns that a combination of high tides, swells from post-tropical cyclone Rachel, El Niño-related Kelvin waves, and already elevated sea levels could cause flooding over 1.5 feet in low-lying Bay Area regions this week.
- Kelvin waves, which transport warm water associated with El Niño across the Pacific, are currently peaking in San Francisco Bay and contributing up to 15 inches above normal sea levels, exacerbating flood risks.
- Experts caution that storm surges from tropical storms like Rachel layered on top of Kelvin wave-induced elevated sea levels significantly increase flooding potential, particularly along the California coast.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects an 83% chance that this year’s El Niño will become historic this winter, with more storm-driven flooding expected as the season progresses.
- Another Kelvin wave is currently moving up the coast near the Gulf of California and may reach the Bay Area in about three weeks, potentially further raising sea levels and flood risks.
