Urgent Warning: ‘King Tides’ to Hit North Coast This Week

URGENT UPDATE: High tides are set to surge to around 9 feet along the North Coast this week, raising alarms for potential coastal flooding and dangerous sneaker waves. A sneaker wave warning is currently in effect until Tuesday morning, as meteorologists caution that these intermittent large swells create significant risks for beachgoers.

According to Josh Wood, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Eureka, the situation demands immediate attention. “We just observed the buoys, and there’s a pretty significantly long period swell,” Wood stated. “This increases the energy of the waves, posing a high risk for sneaker waves.”

These sneaker waves can unexpectedly sweep individuals off their feet, particularly along jetties and coastlines. Wood emphasizes that even a wave as small as ankle- or knee-high can be enough to cause serious harm. “With the high tides, it doesn’t take much water to create a dangerous situation,” he warned.

As the sneaker wave warning is set to expire, authorities are still concerned about the impact of high tides linked to lunar proximity. Coastal communities, including Arcata Bottoms and King Salmon, are likely to see localized flooding, especially as early as Wednesday. Wood noted that tides are already measuring about half a foot higher than previous forecasts.

In a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by sneaker waves, local resident Elliott Linn was severely injured in late October after being swept off a jetty along the Samoa Peninsula. His family shared a GoFundMe update detailing his recovery process, emphasizing his serious injuries and ongoing rehabilitation.

In response to the heightened tide levels, the Friends of the Arcata Marsh will host their annual “King Tide Tour” on December 5. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof footwear and meet at 11 a.m. at South I Street in the first gravel parking lot from Samoa Boulevard. The tour will educate attendees about the causes of the unusually high tides and their implications for the future of Humboldt Bay amid rising sea levels.

Wood warns that conditions will remain precarious, with longer wave periods creating a false sense of security among beachgoers. “You may experience calm waters for a period, but then powerful waves can arrive without warning,” he cautioned.

With the forecast predicting tides to remain above average, officials urge residents and tourists alike to stay vigilant and avoid the water during peak high tide periods.

Communities along the coast are advised to prepare for flooding and to stay updated on weather alerts as this situation develops. As conditions change rapidly, it’s essential to prioritize safety and heed local advisories.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.