Coastal flood warning in place for Northern California for Friday and Saturday
North Bay Interior Valleys and San Francisco Bay Shoreline as well as San Francisco County are under a coastal flood warning which was released by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 11:01 p.m. The warning is valid from Friday 7 a.m. until Saturday Jan. 3, at 2 p.m.
“Significant coastal flooding expected due to high astronomical tides and storm surge. Up to 2.5 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways during the morning high tide Friday and Saturday,” according to the NWS San Francisco CA. “At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide is expected to be: 2.2 ft above normal (8.0 ft MLLW) at 9:34 a.m. Friday 1/2 2.5 ft above normal (8.3 ft MLLW) at 10:26 a.m. Saturday 1/3 1.9 ft above normal (7.7 ft MLLW) at 11:18 a.m. Sunday 1/4 These predictions include up to 1.3 feet of storm surge that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding threat. High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.”
“Numerous roads will be closed. Low-lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will likely be inundated. Some shoreline erosion will occur,” the NWS said. “Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.”
How to use a sandbag and where to get sandbags in your area:
Follow these instructions on how to use sandbags and other flood preparation tips to protect your home, and click on the links below to get sandbags in your county:
Where to get sandbags in San Mateo County
Where to get sandbags in Alameda County
Where to get sandbags in Santa Clara County
Emergency alerts in the San Francisco Bay Area
All enabled mobile phones in the area will receive emergency alerts for “considerable or catastrophic” hazards. To monitor other local risk, residents are advised to sign up for county alert systems and to monitor agencies’ social media. Follow these instructions to enable your phone to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). To receive local alerts in the Bay Area, visit each county’s website:
Breaking down weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings
- Flash flood warning: Take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
- Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.
- Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.
- Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.
When floods strike: Guidelines from the NWS for your protection
Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the NWS offers essential flood safety guidelines:
Move to higher ground:
If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.
Follow evacuation orders:
When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.
Disconnect utilities and appliances:
If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.
Avoid basements and submerged areas:
Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.
Swift evacuation for your safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.
Refrain from walking in floodwaters:
Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.
Seek high ground if trapped:
Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.
When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. It is important to never attempt to drive through water on the road, regardless of how deep it appears. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.
For more weather alerts in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories