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[INTERNATIONAL] · United States · 7 sources

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Part of situation: Pacific Kelvin waves and West Coast sea level rise (4 clusters)

U.S. West Coast faces flooding risk from Kelvin waves

Kelvin waves El Niño coastal flooding sea level rise California coast

The U.S. West Coast, particularly California, is facing an increased risk of coastal flooding due to Kelvin waves. These sub-surface pulses of warm water, driven by El Niño, can raise sea levels by approximately 15 to 30 centimeters.

While the waves themselves are not visible on the surface, they can significantly exacerbate flooding when they coincide with high tides, storms, or winter swells. In San Francisco, officials are bracing for up to 30 king tides between late November and January. Governor Gavin Newsom previously declared a state of emergency to prepare state agencies for potential record-breaking coastal impacts.

In Southern California, the phenomenon is expected to interact with swells from Hurricane Rachel, increasing the risk of erosion and flooding in vulnerable areas such as Malibu, Dana Point, and San Clemente. Scientists note that the Kelvin wave arrival is a gradual process that can influence sea levels for several months.

Entities

California · Dillon Amaya · Gavin Newsom · Michael Jacox · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · North America · Pacific Ocean · San Francisco

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [● 2 SOURCES] The Kelvin wave phenomenon is driven by the weakening or reversal of trade winds during El Niño. crprensa.com · www.surfsession.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The Kelvin wave arrival is a gradual increase in ocean height rather than a single moment. www.latimes.com
  • [● 3 SOURCES] Kelvin waves are sub-surface pulses of warm water that can raise sea levels by 15 to 30 centimeters. crprensa.com · www.surfsession.com · sfist.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Southern California is expected to face southerly swells from Hurricane Rachel starting Wednesday. www.latimes.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] San Francisco could experience between 10 and 30 unusually high king tides from late November through January. sfist.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in late September to prepare for coastal flooding. sfist.com

Sources

Ondas Kelvin intensifican el riesgo de inundaciones en la costa oeste de Estados Unidos [crprensa.com]
Vague de Kelvin : la Californie sous surveillance cet hiver [www.surfsession.com]
CAMBIO CLIMÁTICO / California espera una ola gigante: el nivel del mar subirá hasta 30 centímetros durante meses [www.elperiodicoextremadura.com]
CAMBIO CLIMÁTICO / California espera una ola gigante: el nivel del mar subirá hasta 30 centímetros durante meses [www.levante-emv.com]
SF Braces for Unusually High Tides as El Niño Sends ‘Kelvin Waves’ Toward the Coast [sfist.com]
Ниво Тихог океана уз западну обалу САД могао би да порасте до 30 центиметара због „Ел Ниња” [www.politika.rs]
Kelvin wave hitting Southern California: What to expect as El Niño threatens the coast again [www.latimes.com]