King Tides To Bring Flooding Risk To Marin County Shorelines

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Higher-than-normal King Tides are expected to bring minor coastal flooding to parts of the Bay Area beginning Thursday night, with impacts lasting into next week, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service has issued Coastal Flood Advisories warning that water levels could rise up to 1.7 feet above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.

The advisory for bayshore communities along the San Francisco and San Pablo bays runs from Thursday night through July 16. A separate advisory for the Pacific Coast takes effect Saturday and continues through July 15.

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The Central Marin Police Authority is urging residents to prepare for localized flooding on low-lying roads, parking lots, trails and waterfront areas during periods of high tide.

Officials advise drivers never to enter flooded roadways, noting that even shallow water can hide hazards or cause vehicles to stall. Pedestrians and bicyclists should also use caution around flooded areas, where surfaces may be slippery or unstable.

Residents whose commutes include waterfront or low-lying roads are encouraged to allow extra travel time, obey road closures and traffic advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel through flooded areas.

King tides are the highest naturally occurring tides of the year, caused by the alignment of the sun, moon and Earth. While the tides themselves are predictable, they can lead to temporary flooding in vulnerable coastal areas and offer a preview of how rising sea levels may affect shorelines in the future.