Weather
California Coastal Flood Alert: Up to 1.9 Feet of Water Oct 25-29
San Francisco, CA – Rising tides could push water onto low lying roads, waterfront properties and vulnerable shoreline areas around San Francisco Bay through Thursday, Oct. 29, as a Coastal Flood Advi
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-10-25T11:16:27.344Z
San Francisco, CA – Rising tides could push water onto low lying roads, waterfront properties and vulnerable shoreline areas around San Francisco Bay through Thursday, Oct. 29, as a Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect across portions of the Northern California coast. The National Weather Service warns that inundation reaching 1.9 feet above ground level is possible in some locations, creating concerns for drivers, waterfront businesses and residents near tidal waterways. The threat extends beyond San Francisco into portions of Monterey Bay and the Big Sur coastline.
According to the National Weather Service in San Francisco, the Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until 3 p.m. PDT Thursday, covering the San Francisco and North Bay interior valleys, San Francisco Bay shoreline, Northern Monterey Bay, Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast. High tides could flood low lying infrastructure, contribute to isolated road closures and accelerate coastal erosion. Officials also warn that rising water may travel farther up beaches than usual, potentially restricting escape routes along exposed coastal areas.
Highest Tides Expected Tuesday and Wednesday The advisory identifies several periods when unusually high tides could increase flooding concerns. At the San Francisco tidal gauge, water levels are forecast to reach approximately 1.5 feet above normal Sunday at 11:07 a.m., followed by 1.6 feet above normal Monday at 11:39 a.m. Those levels are expected to increase further Tuesday, when the predicted tide reaches 1.9 feet above normal at 12:15 p.m.
Wednesday remains another important period, with water levels forecast around 1.9 feet above normal at 12:56 p.m. Thursday's high tide is projected to reach approximately 1.7 feet above normal at 1:43 p.m., before the advisory expires later that afternoon. These figures describe predicted tidal departures from normal at the gauge, not the depth of flooding expected on every street or property.
The National Weather Service notes that tidal predictions include up to 1 foot of additional surge, which could enhance the flooding threat. High tide timing may also vary by as much as 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and throughout San Francisco Bay. Consequently, waterfront communities may experience their greatest impacts at different times during the same day.
Low Lying Roads and Waterfront Areas Face Flooding Risk The primary concern involves locations where tidal water can spread across low lying roads, parking areas and shoreline infrastructure. Drivers traveling near San Francisco Bay, Monterey Bay and other exposed waterfront locations should be prepared for possible localized access restrictions during peak tides. The advisory specifically identifies isolated road closures as a potential impact, although it does not confirm that any particular roadway is currently closed.
Coastal erosion represents another concern as elevated tides allow water to reach farther inland along beaches and exposed shorelines. Visitors should avoid entering flooded coastal areas and remain aware of changing water levels, particularly near narrow beach access points. The National Weather Service advises motorists not to drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
Mild San Francisco Weather Does Not Eliminate Flood Threat Despite the coastal flooding concern, San Francisco's general weather forecast remains relatively quiet. Sunday is expected to be partly sunny with a high near 69 degrees, followed by sunshine Monday and a high near 65 degrees. West winds could increase to 9 to 14 mph Monday afternoon, with gusts reaching 22 mph.
Patchy fog becomes possible Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, while afternoon highs remain near 64 degrees. Thursday brings partly sunny skies and a high near 61 degrees, but the Coastal Flood Advisory continues until 3 p.m. Residents should not interpret the absence of heavy rain as an indication that shoreline flooding is impossible.
The greatest concern remains the combination of elevated tides, vulnerable coastal terrain and localized inundation. Waterfront residents and travelers should monitor updated National Weather Service statements as the advisory continues.
Have unusually high tides affected roads, waterfront businesses or beach access near your community?
Five Day Weather Outlook Sunday 10/25: Partly sunny skies are expected with a high near 69 degrees and west winds developing around 5 to 7 mph; nighttime temperatures fall near 54 degrees as clouds gradually decrease.
Monday 10/26: Sunny conditions continue with a high near 65 degrees, although west winds increase to 9 to 14 mph and gusts could reach 22 mph; patchy fog develops after 5 a.m. Tuesday, with a low near 51 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Patchy fog is possible before 8 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 64 degrees; Tuesday's elevated midday tide presents a coastal flooding concern, while nighttime temperatures fall near 53 degrees.
Wednesday 10/28: Patchy morning fog gives way to partly sunny skies with a high near 64 degrees; another elevated midday tide could affect vulnerable shoreline areas, followed by mostly cloudy conditions and a low near 55 degrees.
Thursday 10/29: Partly sunny skies are expected with a high near 61 degrees, while the Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until 3 p.m. PDT; Thursday night becomes partly cloudy with temperatures falling near 53 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook Friday, Oct. 30: A slight chance of rain develops, although mostly sunny skies remain possible with a high near 59 degrees. Friday night brings a chance of rain and a low near 51 degrees.
Saturday, Oct. 31 — Halloween: Partly sunny skies are expected with a chance of rain and a high near 59 degrees. Residents planning outdoor activities should monitor later forecasts for precipitation timing.
The supplied forecast does not establish an additional coastal flood advisory beyond Thursday, Oct. 29, or provide enough information to determine whether elevated tides will remain hazardous during the following weekend.