EUREKA, Calif. – Early-morning tides are surging against the Humboldt Bay shoreline today, where the Pacific is pushing inland under a rare Coastal Flood Warning. Waves crash against jetties and seawalls as the highest tides of the month combine with strong surf and a passing storm, threatening minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, water levels are expected to reach between 8.9 and 9.7 feet above mean lower low water along the Humboldt Bay north spit gauge between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. today. The combination of astronomical high tides and moderate rainfall could cause up to one foot of saltwater inundation above ground level in flood-prone zones such as King Salmon, Arcata Bottoms, and Centerville Beach Road.
Residents are urged to move vehicles and equipment away from low areas and to avoid driving through standing saltwater. “Minor coastal flooding can occur one to two hours around high tide,” forecasters warned. Moderate erosion is also possible along exposed beaches.
Rain showers will continue through late today, tapering into scattered drizzle by early Friday. Winds may gust up to 25 mph before easing into a calm, partly sunny pattern Friday afternoon.
The weekend looks drier, with highs near 63°F Saturday and 64°F Sunday, offering a brief window for cleanup and coastal travel before the next front moves in next week.
As California heads deeper into November, meteorologists are watching for colder Pacific systems capable of dropping snow in the Sierra Nevada and bringing more rounds of coastal rain before Thanksgiving week.
Five-Day Forecast for Eureka, CA:
Thu: 61/53 – Rain and breezy; coastal flooding possible.
Fri: 60/48 – Clouds early; partly sunny afternoon.
Sat: 63/51 – Dry; calm and cool.
Sun: 64/53 – Mostly cloudy; light breeze.
Mon: 62/53 – Cloudy; next front developing.
