Coastal flood advisory in place for Bay Area Shorelines from Tuesday to Sunday

Northern Monterey Bay and Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast as well as San Francisco County are included in an updated coastal flood advisory released by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 10:05 p.m. The advisory is valid from Tuesday 6 a.m. until Sunday Dec. 7, at 3 p.m.

“Up to 1.4 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways,” can be anticipated according to the NWS San Francisco CA. “At the San Francisco tidal gauge high tide is expected to be 0.8 ft above normal (6.66 ft MLLW) at 8:24 a.m. Tuesday, 1.2 ft above normal (7.00 ft MLLW) at 9:04 a.m. Wednesday, 1.4 ft above normal (7.20 ft MLLW) at 9:48 a.m. Thursday, 1.4 ft above normal (7.23 ft MLLW) at 10:35 a.m. Friday, 1.2 ft above normal (7.08 ft MLLW) at 11:25 a.m. Saturday, and 0.9 ft above normal (6.75 ft MLLW) at 12:17 p.m. Sunday. High tide timing varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and throughout the San Francisco Bay respectively.”

“Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected,” the NWS said. “If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Dangerous conditions are forecast along the shoreline. Hazards include sneaker waves, strong rip currents, and large breaking waves. Stay off the rocks and NEVER turn your back on the ocean!”

How to use a sandbag and where to get sandbags in your area:

Follow these instructions on how to use sandbags and other flood preparation tips to protect your home, and click on the links below to get sandbags in your county:

Where to get sandbags in San Mateo County

Where to get sandbags in Alameda County

Where to get sandbags in Santa Clara County

Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings

• Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.

• Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.

• Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines from the NWS

Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the NWS offers essential flood safety guidelines:

Seek higher ground:

If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.

Follow evacuation orders:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and submerged areas:

Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

Evacuate promptly for safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.

Refrain from walking in floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.

Seek higher ground when trapped:

In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through any water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the NWS, most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

For more weather alerts in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories