INSTRUCTIONS

A Coastal Flood Advisory indicates that onshore winds and tides will combine to generate flooding of low areas along the shore.

Feet Above Ground is locally defined as feet above the Highest Astronomical Tide or HAT.

Don’t be fooled by an ocean that looks calm. There can be 30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes. Avoid rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches. Stay much farther back from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.

DESCRIPTION

* WHAT…For the Coastal Flood Advisory, High astronomical tides will cause minor flooding in low lying areas around Humboldt Bay. Up to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible near shorelines and tidal waterways. Between 8.8 and 9.2 feet MLLW at the North Spit tide gauge is predicted. For the Beach Hazards Statement, increased threat of sneaker waves expected.

* WHERE…Northern Humboldt Coast County.

* WHEN…For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 7 AM to 10 AM PST this morning. For the Beach Hazards Statement, from late tonight through Tuesday morning. High tide is at 8:38 AM at the Humboldt Bay North Spit tide gauge. Saltwater inundation will be possible 1 to 2 hours before and after high tide.

* IMPACTS…Flooding of low lying areas around Humboldt Bay including parks and roads with only isolated closures expected. Flooding will likely impact Jackson Ranch Road in the Arcata Bottoms and several roads in King Salmon. Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches. These sneaker waves can also move large objects such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.