Coastal Flooding Advisory for the San Francisco Bay Area
Weather officials in California are issuing a warning to over 3.3 million residents in the San Francisco Bay Area about potential road closures and travel disruptions due to coastal flooding on Monday. This advisory highlights the ongoing challenges posed by high tides, known as king tides, which typically occur during the winter months. However, National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Dalton Behringer explained that an unusual alignment of solar features is contributing to higher-than-normal tides this week.
Why It Matters
The coastal flood advisory has significant implications for millions of people living and working along the Northern California coast, including densely populated urban areas and key travel corridors. According to the NWS forecast, up to one foot of water could rise above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. This includes parks, parking lots, and roads, leading to isolated road closures and potential disruptions to evening travel and property safety.
What to Know
The NWS San Francisco issued a coastal flood advisory for the San Francisco Bay Area on Monday, warning that more than 3.3 million people could be affected by minor flooding in city shoreline communities and surrounding counties. From 7 p.m. to midnight PT, residents and travelers in San Francisco, the North Bay Interior Valleys, and San Francisco Bay shoreline communities faced increased risk of inundation as tides rose above average levels.
Behringer noted that most people won’t notice the water unless they live near the coast in the affected areas. The last time such an advisory was issued was on June 26. Minor coastal flooding was expected during the advisory period, with “flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected.”
At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide was forecast to reach 1.04 feet above normal at 9:02 p.m. local time. Officials cautioned that high tide timing could vary by up to two hours depending on the location along the coast and around the bay. The advisory emphasized that even minor flooding can pose hazards for motorists and property owners.
Residents in low-lying shoreline areas—including tidal creeks and waterfront neighborhoods—were advised to move vehicles and valuables to higher ground Monday evening.
What People Are Saying
The NWS San Francisco coastal flood advisory includes the following guidance:
- “If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.”
Additionally, a small craft advisory for the San Francisco Bay area states:
- “Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.”
What Happens Next
The advisory will expire at midnight, but forecasters have urged coastal communities to remain vigilant for additional flooding threats, particularly during periods of high astronomical tides and after storm events. Authorities routinely assess flood risk and may issue further warnings as weather patterns evolve or forecasts change.
Travelers, commuters, and businesses across the affected shoreline counties are advised to monitor updates from local authorities and the NWS for continued safety guidance and preparedness messages.
Preparing for Future Events
As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the frequency and intensity of such events may increase. Local governments and emergency management agencies are working to improve infrastructure and communication strategies to better prepare residents for future coastal flooding scenarios. Public awareness campaigns and community education programs are also being expanded to ensure that everyone understands the risks and knows how to stay safe.
Residents are encouraged to review their emergency plans, secure their homes, and stay informed through official channels. By taking proactive steps, individuals and communities can reduce the risks associated with coastal flooding and enhance their resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
