Tides peak 1.9 feet above normal in Northern California

High tides in Northern California are currently peaking 1.9 feet above the average level. This surge is part of a widespread weather event affecting both U.S. coasts. Seawater has moved across streets and into buildings in beach communities across California, Florida, and the Carolinas.

The flooding began earlier this week during a full moon. King tides occur when the gravitational pull of the Earth, moon, and sun align. These events happen several times a year and typically last for multiple days. Forecasters noted that specific atmospheric conditions have intensified this week's impact.

In Florida, a strong high-pressure system to the north combined with low pressure over the Caribbean to boost swells. Chris Fisher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Miami, identified this pressure mix as a key driver. On the West Coast, the ongoing super El Niño has warmed ocean waters, increasing the total volume of seawater. Roger Gass, a meteorologist for the Bay Area forecast office in Monterey, also cited Kelvin waves. These are pulses of warm water that further raise sea levels.

Residents in Huntington Beach, California, placed sandbags outside their homes on Wednesday. Some locals used paddleboards and surfboards to travel through flooded streets. The Pacific Coast Highway saw multiple closures. Tides in Orange and San Diego counties were expected to approach record highs. Further north, the National Weather Service predicted minor flooding in low-lying shoreline areas through Saturday.

Gass explained that coastal flooding usually happens within an hour and a half before and after high tide. In Florida, most of the Atlantic coast remained under flood warnings through early Friday. Street flooding was also reported in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Rip currents were possible as far north as the North Carolina Outer Banks.

Fort Lauderdale hosted a major in-water boat show this week. Drivers had to navigate flooded streets near marinas, hotels, and convention centers to reach the event venues. Virginia Key, a barrier island near Miami, recorded its highest king tide in three decades of records. Fisher called the event historical from a king tide perspective, noting that higher levels have only been seen during hurricanes.

Fisher described the conditions as a rough beach week. He said the high risk of rip currents and high surf would continue through the weekend. He advised people to stay out of the water and away from the beaches. The weather service expects the minor flooding in California to persist through Saturday during peak high tides.