NewsSFistOctober 28, 2026San Francisco County
SF Mayor Daniel Lurie declares state of emergency ahead of potential El Niño winter flooding
Photo: SFist
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie declared a state of emergency to expedite the purchase of flood mitigation supplies as experts warn that a strong El Niño combined with high tides could flood major infrastructure including SFO, the Bay Bridge toll plaza, and the Embarcadero. A new UC Davis Road Ecology Center report suggests waters in the Bay could rise by several feet, putting low-lying coastal areas and transportation hubs at risk of inundation.
Read the full story at SFistWhy It Matters
Regional transportation hubs, roadways, and waterfront properties face potential shutdowns and water damage that could disrupt travel and business operations for residents and commuters across the Bay Area.
Key Facts
- SF Mayor Daniel Lurie declared an official state of emergency to accelerate the purchase of flood mitigation equipment.
- A new UC Davis Road Ecology Center report warns that Bay waters could rise by several feet due to storms, Kelvin waves, and king tides.
- Low-lying transportation infrastructure at risk includes the Bay Bridge toll plaza, SFO, Oakland Airport, and Treasure Island.
- High tides recently inundated parts of southern Marin County, Palo Alto, and the Embarcadero.
- The Port of San Francisco is preparing for potential flooding of the Muni Metro tunnel entrance near Pier 14 and Embarcadero Station.
- Islais Creek high tides threaten Pier 80 and the Recology facility at Pier 96.
- Ocean Beach faces the risk of major erosion and days of total submersion.
- Mission District residents remain concerned about potential repeat flooding near Folsom Street and 15th Street.
Who's Mentioned
PersonSarah Lindbergh“Lead researcher of the 2022 UC Berkeley study”locationHighway 37“North Bay roadway undergoing emergency flood-prevention work”locationIslais Creek“Waterway subject to high tide flooding”locationSan Francisco International Airport“Potential flood impact site”OrganizationPortola Music Festival“Event held at Pier 80”PersonDaniel Lurie“SF Mayor who declared an official state of emergency”OrganizationUC Berkeley“Conducted a 2022 study on airport runway flooding risks”OrganizationChronicle“News publication interviewed researchers and port officials”OrganizationPathways Climate Institute“Institute led by coastal engineer Kris May”OrganizationSFGate“Media outlet that picked up the UC Davis report”locationPalo Alto“Experienced high tides inundation”OrganizationRecology“Operator of facility at Pier 96”PersonFraser Shilling“Report author and director of the UC Davis Road Ecology Center”locationMarin County“Southern portion experienced high tides inundation”locationPier 96“Location of a major Recology facility”locationOakland Airport“Identified as a low-lying area at risk of flooding”locationBernal Hill“Site of previous mudslide”locationOcean Beach“San Francisco beach facing major erosion risks”locationCentral Valley“Flooded entirely during the Great Flood of 1862”locationBay Bridge“Toll plaza identified as low-lying area at risk”locationEmbarcadero“Area impacted by high tides and potential flood conduit”OrganizationUC Davis Road Ecology Center“Authored a new report on Bay water level rises”locationTreasure Island“Identified as a low-lying area at risk of flooding”locationPier 14“Embarcadero location near Muni Metro tunnel entrance”PersonKris May“Coastal engineer leading Pathways Climate Institute”locationSanta Cruz“Coastal town facing winter flood risks”locationSacramento“Turned into a city of canals during the 1862 flood”locationSan Pablo Bay“Surrounding shoreline area at risk”locationSouthern California“Region that experienced recent flooding from storm surges”locationEmbarcadero Station“Station at risk of water pouring in from tunnel entrance”OrganizationPort of San Francisco“Preparing for potential waterfront catastrophes”locationFolsom Street“Street near 15th Street that flooded previously”locationMonterey Bay“Coastal towns facing winter flood risks”locationMission District“Neighborhood worried about repeat flooding”locationMarina Green“San Francisco location facing flooding risks”locationPier 80“Cargo terminal and festival site at risk of flooding”