Marin County's residents are bracing for a challenging weekend as the region grapples with the dual threats of king tides and an impending storm, resulting in potential flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning for the shoreline and interior valleys of the North Bay, effective from 7 a.m. Friday until 2 p.m. Saturday. This warning underscores the potential for significant coastal flooding, with up to 2.5 feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways during the morning high tides on Friday and Saturday. The weather service also predicts numerous road closures, with low-lying properties, including homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, facing the risk of being inundated. The San Francisco tidal gauge forecasts high tides of 2.2 feet and 2.5 feet above normal on Friday and Saturday, respectively, which haven't been seen in the area since 1998. The king tides, among the highest of the year, are a result of a confluence of factors, including the full moon on Saturday and the Earth's closest approach to the Sun during perihelion. Forecasters anticipate a storm surge of up to 1.3 feet, exacerbating the astronomical tide. The storm is expected to bring rain and strong winds, with sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph and occasional gusts up to 50 mph along the coast and higher terrain. Additionally, the North Bay mountains, San Francisco, East Bay hills, and the coast, along with all of Monterey and San Benito counties, are under a Wind Advisory from 1 p.m. Friday until 1 p.m. Saturday. However, this advisory was canceled early Saturday as wind speeds decreased. Residents are urged to take precautions, especially those in low-lying areas, as the region prepares for the potential impact of these weather events.
