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California Coast Submerged by Record Tides
29 Oct
Summary
- Record high tides inundated communities from San Diego to San Francisco.
- Flooding caused widespread street and business closures across the coast.
- Experts warn future El Niño events could bring even higher sea levels.
Record-breaking high tides have caused extensive coastal flooding along the California coast. Communities from San Diego to the San Francisco Bay Area experienced seawater inundation, submerging streets, homes, and businesses. Essential transportation corridors and train routes were significantly disrupted, with water rescues required in some areas. This recent flooding has shattered all-time records, with tides exceeding 8 feet in some locations near Los Angeles and San Diego.
The National Weather Service has issued flood advisories, anticipating continued coastal flooding through Thursday and into the weekend in some areas. This phenomenon is attributed to a combination of factors, including thermal expansion from oceanic heatwaves and rising sea levels driven by the climate crisis. A coastally trapped Kelvin wave, a band of warm Pacific water, has also exacerbated the situation.
Experts caution that these events may be an early indication of more severe conditions expected later this year. A potent El Niño is developing, which could elevate sea levels by several feet above current levels, especially when combined with upcoming king tides around Thanksgiving and Christmas, and in January next year. Scientists warn that the confluence of these factors could lead to disastrous flooding, particularly if storms coincide with peak high tides.
