With water already running about a foot higher than usual in Humboldt Bay and a powerful El Niño strengthening offshore, North Coast residents could see a winter where several coastal threats may arrive at once. Forecasters say king tides, Kelvin waves, unusually warm ocean waters, and stronger storm systems could combine, leading to flooding and erosion in low‑lying neighborhoods such as King Salmon and Fields Landing.In two months, the California coastline will be impacted by king tides, higher waves that usually arrive around the end of the year. The Times-Standard reached out to several government agencies to see how they are preparing for the next potentially catastrophic event.Gov. Gavin Newsom last week declared a statewide emergency ahead of what forecasters say could become a “super” El Niño, a pattern known for driving stronger storms, heavier rainfall and elevated coastal water levels. The declaration comes as king tides, Kelvin waves and chronic flooding in King Salmon are expected to overlap through early 2027, raising concerns about erosion, inundation and storm‑surge impacts along the North Coast.National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Aylward said El Niño is already underway and strengthening. He said the atmospheric impacts typically arrive in late fall and continue through winter, bringing heavier storms and higher water levels along the North Coast.“El Niño is ongoing right now,” said Aylward. “The impacts really happen as we go into the fall and winter, and that’s what we’re preparing for. We’re starting at a higher level this year, and the tide chart is off by a foot in Humboldt Bay. If a storm hits at the same time as a king tide, you can suddenly have big impacts.”Keep Reading
