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Newsom Declares Emergency Over Kelvin Wave, Sandbagging Coast

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 11:08 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Governor Gavin Newsom declared an emergency because a Kelvin wave may raise sea levels one foot.
The wave is a warm-water bulge 12-20 miles offshore, moving north at 5-10 mph.
Scientists expect California sea levels to rise six to twelve inches during the wave.
Orange County spreads emergency sand on beaches.
Marin County distributes sandbags and clears drains.

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Story summary

Governor Gavin Newsom declared an emergency because a Kelvin wave may raise sea levels one foot.
The wave is a warm-water bulge 12-20 miles offshore, moving north at 5-10 mph.
Scientists expect California sea levels to rise six to twelve inches during the wave.
Orange County spreads emergency sand on beaches.
Marin County distributes sandbags and clears drains.