Weather
Humboldt County, CA Flooding Oct. 26-30: Tides Near 9.3 Feet
Eureka, CA – Residents and visitors along Humboldt Bay are facing several days of elevated coastal flooding risks beginning Monday, October 26, as unusually high tides combine with already elevated wa
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-10-26T01:03:16.673Z
Eureka, CA – Residents and visitors along Humboldt Bay are facing several days of elevated coastal flooding risks beginning Monday, October 26, as unusually high tides combine with already elevated water levels. Some locations could experience minor to moderate flooding, with waves potentially reaching coastal recreational paths.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, high astronomical tides are expected Monday through Thursday, with elevated water levels potentially continuing through Friday, October 30.
Forecasters identified King Salmon and the Arcata Bottoms as areas particularly vulnerable to flooding.
Humboldt Bay Water Levels Could Reach 9.3 Feet The National Weather Service projects water levels at the North Spit tide gauge could reach between 8.8 and 9.1 feet Monday around 11:58 a.m.
Conditions could become more concerning Tuesday and Wednesday, when projected water levels range from 9.0 to 9.3 feet.
The North Spit gauge's minor flood threshold is 8.8 feet, while its major flood threshold is 9.5 feet.
Although the highest projected levels remain below the major flooding threshold, localized minor to moderate flooding remains possible.
Thursday's projected peak is between 8.9 and 9.0 feet, followed by 8.5 to 8.7 feet Friday.
Coastal Bike Paths and Low Lying Areas at Risk Beyond flooding in vulnerable coastal neighborhoods, the weather service warned that elevated water levels could allow waves to crash onto coastal bike paths.
Pedestrians and cyclists should remain alert for unexpected wave activity and avoid flooded sections of pathways.
Motorists traveling through low lying coastal areas should also watch for water covering roadways, particularly near afternoon high tides.
Light Rain Also Expected A separate National Weather Service forecast indicates light rainfall across Humboldt and Del Norte counties Sunday afternoon through Monday.
Most coastal locations could receive light precipitation, generally less than one quarter inch, while some northern areas may receive higher amounts.
Residents should monitor updated tide forecasts and coastal conditions at weather.gov/eka throughout the week.