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Coastal Flood Warning for San Francisco Bay as King Tides Peak Friday–Saturday

A rare tide cycle aligned with storm-driven surge is expected to inundate low-lying shoreline areas during the morning highs.

In an aerial view, a Caltrans worker stands on a street flooded with seawater during a king tide event in Mill Valley, Calif.
In an aerial view, cars drive along a street flooded with seawater during a king tide event in Mill Valley, Calif.
King Tides flood the road in Mill Valley on Dec. 06, 2025. Parts of the Bay Area could see some of the highest coastal flooding in decades this weekend, as extreme king tides combine with storm surge and strong winds, prompting forecasters to issue a coastal flood warning.
MILL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 05: Cars drive along a street flooded with seawater during a King Tide event in Mill Valley, California. The San Francisco Bay Area coast is experiencing some of the highest tides of the year, commonly referred to as a King Tide — a naturally occurring phenomenon caused when the gravitational forces of the Sun, Moon, and Earth align. These unusually high tides can push water into low-lying streets and other vulnerable areas, producing localized flooding. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The National Weather Service warns of up to 2.5 feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas during the morning high tides Friday and Saturday, with an advisory continuing through Sunday.
  • Forecasts call for about 2.2 feet above normal Friday, 2.5 feet Saturday, and 1.9 feet Sunday at the San Francisco gauge, including up to 1.3 feet of storm-surge push.
  • Saturday’s peak could break a 28-year Bay Area high-tide record, with forecasters noting some locations may approach the highest levels observed in decades.
  • An atmospheric river arriving Friday night is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, with 1–1.7 inches of rainfall in Bay Area cities and gusts up to 50 mph increasing flood and erosion risks.
  • Officials urge residents to protect flood‑prone property, avoid driving through flooded roads, and use local reporting channels, as related coastal flood advisories extend along parts of the Pacific coast, including Oregon, Washington, and San Diego.