Port of San Diego reports unexpected dry-weather coastal flooding driven by the Kelvin Wave

Residents and visitors navigating the San Diego coastline face unexpected standing water and travel disruptions during sunny weather, with potential for further record-high tides during upcoming El Nino and King Tide seasons.

• •San Diego has experienced dry-weather coastal flooding despite having no rain for over a week.
• •Flooding began on Monday and has affected areas including Point Loma outside the San Diego Yacht Club, the Embarcadero, and along Harbor Drive.
• •The flooding is caused by a weather phenomenon called the Kelvin Wave, which moves a huge blob of warm water up the coast.
• •Tides were estimated to be 6 to 12 inches higher, but actual measurements showed tides 14 to 16 inches higher than predicted.
• •A predicted seven-foot tide actually resulted in tides exceeding eight feet.
• •The Port of San Diego initially suspected a watermain break before discovering the water was pushed up through the drainage system by unusually high rising tides.
• •The Port of San Diego is coordinating with emergency management departments to monitor affected areas and keep the coastline safe.
• •Predicted tides for tomorrow and the rest of the month are not expected to match the severity of the flooding seen over the past three days.
• •Officials warn that upcoming Super El Nino conditions and the official King Tide season in November, December, and January could bring record-level tidal surges.