Record high tides continue to impact Bay Area low-lying areas; flood advisories extended to Halloween
CBS News
Last updated: October 29, 2026
The Bay Area is experiencing prolonged record high tides. These are exacerbated by a confluence of factors including strong astronomical tides, thermal expansion of ocean water, and elevated sea levels linked to El Niño.
- The current tide levels are significantly higher than usual, leading to widespread flooding in low-lying coastal regions across the Bay Area. This phenomenon is not a brief event; flood advisories have been extended, now encompassing Halloween.
- The contributing factors of thermal expansion and El Niño's impact on sea levels suggest a persistent environmental condition rather than a singular weather event. This sustained high tide scenario poses ongoing challenges for affected communities.
- The persistence of record high tides underscores the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure and communities to rising sea levels. The combination of natural tidal cycles and climate-related phenomena is creating a compounded effect.
- Official advisories reflect the seriousness of the situation, indicating that the elevated water levels are expected to continue for an extended period, impacting daily life and potentially causing further damage.
