A supermoon is currently influencing ocean tides along California's coastline, coinciding with a strong atmospheric river storm that has swept through Northern California. This phenomenon, known as the “Beaver Moon,” is causing significant fluctuations in tidal levels, leading to king tides and heightened concerns about coastal safety.
Forecasters are warning that Southern California could experience dangerous rip currents and an increased risk of drowning due to large ocean waves. The National Weather Service has issued advisories for potential coastal flooding over the upcoming days, specifically as the king tides peak along the coast. While Southern California may avoid the torrential rains affecting Northern regions, the combination of high tides and strong surf poses serious risks.
Meanwhile, in Northern California, emergency services personnel have been dispatched to assist in two counties due to severe weather. The National Weather Service office in Sacramento predicts the heaviest rainfalls in several areas, with expectations of 2 to 3 inches of precipitation in Blue Canyon, Quincy, and Sims. Cities like San Francisco and Sacramento anticipate receiving up to half an inch of rain from Wednesday into Thursday, while Santa Rosa is forecasted to accumulate between half an inch to a full inch.
The rain, which began on Tuesday, is expected to persist until Friday morning. With slick roads and potential water pooling, commutes could be adversely affected. Meteorologist Sara Purdue from Sacramento noted that while the heaviest rain may have already occurred, light showers are likely to linger in Shasta County and surrounding areas through Thursday and into Friday morning.
This November’s supermoon, which peaked in brightness on Tuesday and Wednesday, is 221,817 miles away from Earth. The unique elliptical shape of the moon's orbit brings it closer to our planet at certain times of the year, resulting in a more pronounced effect on ocean tides. According to the Griffith Observatory, during a supermoon, the moon can cause a slight bulging of the Earth’s water, leading to higher tides.
As a result of these tidal changes, the Central Coast to Los Angeles County is under a high-surf impact warning. The National Weather Service has cautioned against the dangers of large breakers and strong rip currents through Saturday. Peak surf conditions are predicted to reach heights of 12 to 18 feet along the Central Coast, 8 to 12 feet in Ventura County, and 5 to 8 feet in both Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties.
Additionally, a coastal flood advisory has been issued from Sonoma County to Monterey County, affecting areas including San Francisco's shoreline. Minor flooding has already been reported along Coyote Creek due to the ongoing tidal surge. In Northern California, counties like Del Norte and Humboldt are bracing for heavy rainfall, with Gasquet expected to receive over 2½ inches by Friday morning.
In response to the severe weather, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the pre-deployment of specialized emergency crews to safeguard communities in the most affected regions. This includes 32 fire personnel and nine fire engines stationed through Thursday evening. Newsom emphasized the importance of readiness to minimize the impacts of potential mudflows and flash flooding.
The governor’s office strongly advises residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to refrain from walking or driving through floodwaters. Meteorologist Ryan Walbrun from the National Weather Service highlighted the stark contrast in weather conditions across California, noting that while the North Bay is experiencing significant rain, areas south of the Golden Gate Bridge are seeing much lighter precipitation.
As California navigates the challenges posed by the supermoon and storm conditions, residents are urged to stay informed and prioritize safety during this tumultuous weather period.
