High tides create flood risk for parts of Bay Area this week, NWS says: Here's what to expect
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- High tides could cause minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas across the San Francisco Bay Area through Saturday, potentially affecting roads, infrastructure and beaches, the National Weather Service said.
The risk includes bayshore locations along San Pablo Bay, San Francisco Bay and Monterey Bay, as well as low-lying areas along the Pacific coast, according to an NWS advisory on Monday.
At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide is forecast to peak at 1.9 feet above normal Wednesday, reaching 7.7 feet above mean lower low water. The forecast calls for tides 1.8 feet above normal Tuesday and 1.7 feet above normal Monday and Thursday.
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The agency warned that high tides could flood low-lying infrastructure, cause isolated road closures and contribute to coastal erosion. Rising water and waves could also reach farther up beaches than usual, making it harder for people to leave coastal areas safely.
People are advised to allow extra travel time if roads are affected, avoid driving around barricades or through water of unknown depth, and protect property in flood-prone areas.
Cool conditions are expected through the week, with a 20% to 40% chance of rain from Friday into the weekend. Confidence in the rain forecast is low to moderate, and the unsettled pattern could continue into early next week, the NWS said.
North Bay hit with high king tide flooding
Mill Valley roads flooded Monday as unusually high tides pushed seawater onto Shoreline Highway, forcing closures, snarling commutes and leaving some drivers stranded.
SKY7 video showed water covering roadways near the shoreline, including one vehicle stuck in floodwaters as the tide peaked. At a nearby park-and-ride lot, a volunteer helped commuters navigate the inundated area and reach their vehicles.
For some residents, the flooding created an unusual recreational opportunity.
Christopher Meacham, a Mill Valley resident, paddled a kayak through areas normally inaccessible by boat, including beneath the U.S. Highway 101 overpass.
"I love it," Meacham said. "I actually came out today just for this particular reason."
Others viewed the flooding as a warning sign.
Jung Vu of Sausalito said the water levels appeared unusually high for October.
"This is rather unusual, because usually in October, there should be no flooding," Vu said.
Commuters, meanwhile, faced a different reality.
Amy Mazariegos of Petaluma said she was apprehensive about driving through flooded roads on her way to work.
"I'm terrified," she said. "We haven't seen it this bad."
While parts of Mill Valley are familiar with periodic king tide flooding, several residents said Monday's conditions appeared more severe than expected.
Ro Tyler, who has lived in the area for more than four decades, said the flooding was surprising, given the clear weather.
"It seems a little bit crazy that this high tide, when there are completely clear skies, can create these conditions," Tyler said.
Mill Valley Fire Department Battalion Chief Adam Vollmer warned that tides are expected to rise slightly higher Tuesday and said emergency planners are closely monitoring the season ahead.
"Our main concern is the tides when they meet the rains," Vollmer said.
Officials say the flooding serves as a reminder that even without storms, exceptionally high tides can create significant impacts along vulnerable shoreline communities. Residents are being encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts, prepare go-bags and have evacuation plans in place before winter storms arrive.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
