Storms are expected to bring waves up to 50 feet high to the California coast, prompting officials to warn of dangerous conditions. The National Weather Service has issued high surf warnings for much of the state's coastline, with forecasters saying the combination of powerful storms and elevated tides could create life-threatening hazards.
These giant waves are part of a series of storms moving into the region. Reports from multiple news outlets indicate that the surf could be especially dangerous due to sneaker waves, which are sudden, large waves that can wash beachgoers out to sea or move heavy logs onto the shore. Rip currents are also a major concern.
Some scientists say a phenomenon called a Kelvin wave is contributing to the threat. A Kelvin wave is a slow-moving, underwater wave that raises sea levels along the coast. It is not visible to the naked eye and does not cause an instant change, but it can make flooding worse when combined with storms and high tides. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, a Kelvin wave can raise sea levels by up to 30 centimeters, as seen on the west coast of Vancouver Island earlier this year. When this happens at the same time as a king tide or a storm, it can flood low-lying areas.
In early October, parts of Southern California already experienced flooding when a tropical storm hit while sea levels were already higher than normal due to a Kelvin wave. Homes near the ocean were partially submerged, and neighborhoods flooded.
Surfers along the California coast are preparing for the large waves, with some describing the conditions as extreme. The U.S. Coast Guard recently suspended a search for a woman who was swept out to sea in California, highlighting the dangers.
What happens next depends on how the storms develop. Forecasters say the parade of storms is expected to continue, bringing heavy snow, powerful winds, and dangerous surf to the West Coast in the coming days. Residents in coastal areas are advised to stay away from the water and follow local warnings.