High tides create flood risk for parts of Bay Area this week, NWS says: Here's what to expect
SAN FRANCISCO -- 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.
