Bay Area beaches hazardous as record tides forecast

The Bay Area could see unusually high tides and flooding this weekend, possibly even setting a record for this time of year.

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“It’s potentially going to be the highest summer tides on record,” Karleisa Rogacheski, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told SFGATE by phone Saturday.

The high tide could reach 1.9 feet above normal on Saturday evening, 2 feet above normal on Sunday night and 1.9 feet above normal on Tuesday morning, according to National Weather Service estimates at the San Francisco tidal gauge. The previous record was set in July 2022 at 1.7 feet.

High tides are normal this time of year, but this particularly strong surge appears to have a tie to the early signs of El Niño, Rogacheski told SFGATE. 

A coastal flood advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service, remaining in effect from 7 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Tuesday. Waters could surge up to 2 feet in low-lying areas near the shore, the advisory warned, and there’s an increase in the risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents. 

The National Weather Service also issued a Beach Hazards Statement, covering from 3 a.m. Sunday through 3 a.m. Wednesday. Swimming and surfing conditions can be dangerous at this time, and flooding could cause local road closures and beach erosion. 

Residents are advised to avoid piers and other coastal infrastructure and refrain from entering the water. Especially for those seeking relief from the heat — for which a heat advisory has been issued in parts of the East Bay and San Jose — and who may travel to the coast where it’s cooler, Rogacheski urges visitors to be cautious. 

California is preparing for the possibility of a strong El Niño period ahead, which could bring a very wet winter. Strong ocean waves have historically battered coastal infrastructure and just last week, a massive crack appeared in the Pacifica Pier. The popular destination is now closed and the restaurant that operated at the pier, Chit Chat Cafe, has been torn down.