NewsFox 5 San Diego & KUSI — Local NewsOctober 27, 2026San Diego County
Kelvin wave drives high tides and erosion along the San Diego coast
Photo: Fox 5 San Diego & KUSI — Local News
A rare Kelvin wave is causing unusual coastal flooding, high tides, and erosion across vulnerable low-lying areas of San Diego County without the presence of a storm or heavy swell. Tides are running six to 10 inches higher than standard tide charts, prompting city officials to monitor conditions and deploy emergency coastal armoring.
Read the full story at Fox 5 San Diego & KUSI — Local NewsWhy It Matters
Low-lying neighborhoods and coastal bluffs in San Diego County face unexpected flooding and structural erosion that threaten properties and public access points.
Key Facts
- A Kelvin wave is causing coastal flooding and erosion along the San Diego coast without a storm or heavy swell.
- Actual high tides are running six to 10 inches higher than predictions shown on standard tide charts.
- Vulnerable locations experiencing impacts include Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside.
- City officials are closely monitoring the slow-moving tides and utilizing emergency coastal armoring when necessary.
- La Jolla is experiencing bluff failures and wave impacts in areas never hit before.
- Point Loma faces elevated water levels against bluffs, creating conditions for a fair amount of erosion.
Who's Mentioned
locationOceanside“Vulnerable section along the coast”locationSolana Beach“Vulnerable section along the coast”locationMission Bay“Vulnerable low-lying area”locationDel Mar“Vulnerable section along the coast”locationCarlsbad“Vulnerable section along the coast”OrganizationSurfline“Surf forecasting company providing coastal data”PersonRoss Garrett“CEO of Surfline gathering coastal data”locationPoint Loma“Area facing water levels at the bluff and expected erosion”locationOcean Beach“Vulnerable low-lying area”locationMission Beach“Vulnerable low-lying area”locationEncinitas“Dateline and vulnerable coastal area”locationLa Jolla“Area experiencing bluff failure and unusual wave hits”locationSan Diego“Region experiencing coastal flooding and erosion”