October flooding in Marin

October's unusually high tides swamped Marin County roads and bike trails.

Scientists warn of worsening conditions

Bay Area coastal ecologist Peter Baye called ocean conditions 'jaw-dropping' and warned of unprecedented flooding levels.

“To see flooding like this on an October tide, during calm weather, no waves, and no wind, is unprecedented”

Tide cycle and El Niño impact

The Pacific in the Bay Area is at the peak of an 18-year tide cycle with a Kelvin wave raising water levels by nearly two feet.

Potential for severe flooding

Scientists fear king tides combined with storm surges could cause devastating flooding during El Niño winter.

Businesses at risk

Proof Lab surf shop and The Junction Beer Garden have previously flooded causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Local preparedness efforts

Marin County has 10 pickup trucks, 73,000 sandbags, water pumps, and emergency repair materials ready.

Future flooding risks

Scientists warn this week's flooding is mellow compared to what's coming later this winter and later in the century.

“All of this flooding that we saw this past week is potentially very mellow compared to the flooding that we’ll be seeing later this winter, and certainly later in the century”