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Strongest El Niño to raise West Coast seas 1 foot

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 11:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Scientists Warn King Tides

Scientists say a Kelvin wave will hit the West Coast by October, raising sea levels a foot.
Professor Dillon Amaya says the wave adds 6-12 inches and expects three to four more this winter.
Sausalito Vice Mayor Melissa Saxe Blaustein announced $250,000 approved for flood-mitigation projects.
Scientists warn king tides this winter could be the highest in 18 years, raising flood risk.

Summary

California Declares Emergency

California declared a state of emergency over invasive species threatening coastal erosion.
UC Santa Cruz climatologist Robert Lund said it is the strongest recorded El Niño.
County officials will inspect culverts, repair levees, and clear roadside ditches before storms.
Sandbag stations are planned across the county ahead of the rainy season.
About 20 oceanfront homes in Long Beach were evacuated after swells accelerated erosion.

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Scientists Warn King Tides

Scientists say a Kelvin wave will hit the West Coast by October, raising sea levels a foot.
Professor Dillon Amaya says the wave adds 6-12 inches and expects three to four more this winter.
Sausalito Vice Mayor Melissa Saxe Blaustein announced $250,000 approved for flood-mitigation projects.
Scientists warn king tides this winter could be the highest in 18 years, raising flood risk.

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