Daniel SwainJan 2
Highest astronomical high tides of year (aka the "King Tides") will occur this weekend in NorCal. But this year, they will coincide w/additional storm surge from nearby low pressure--causing potential for SF Bay Area coastal flooding beyond what we've seen in recent years. #CAwx
Show threadDaniel SwainJan 2
A moderately strong winter storm this wknd will bring low pressure and onshore/southerly winds to the SF Bay region. When combined w/ very high astronomical (King) tides, plus aggregate effect of long-term sea level rise, a 2.5+ feet elevation of SF Bay water levels is expected.
Show threadDaniel SwainJan 2
As NWS Monterey has emphasized, predicted water levels in SF will be the highest ever observed except for the notable coastal flood events in 1982/3 and 1998. As a result, considerable inundation of low-lying roads, infrastructure, and communities along SF Bay is likely. #CAwx
Show threadDaniel SwainJan 2
This wknd's storm is not, by any metric, extreme! (It won't even be as strong as last week's.) And astronomical (sun & moon gravity-related) King Tide is typical, as well. But coincidental timing of KT + moderate storm, added atop SLR, will generate a notable coastal flood event.
Show threadDaniel Swain
If you want to visualize what coastal areas (or coastally-connected areas, like the interior of SF Bay and the Bay Delta) may be inundated by various water heights (including this weekend's KT + storm + SLR event), you can use this NOAA visualization tool:
https://coast.noaa.gov/slr/#/layer/slr/2.5/-13621182.096332407/4552693.007645565/10.000/satellite/none/0.8/2050/interHigh/noAccretion/NOS_Minor
Jan 2 at 5:32pmFedica