INSTRUCTIONS

A Coastal Flood Warning means that flooding is occurring or imminent. Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property.

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

Large breaking waves along the coast will lead to increased wave run-up on beaches with waves topping and washing over large rocks and jetties. These large waves can be erratic and unpredictable. Use extra caution near the surf zone as these large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water. Mariners traversing the bar are urged to exercise extreme caution or stay in port until the threat subsides. Please contact the U.S. Coast Guard for information regarding harbor and bar closures.

DESCRIPTION

* WHAT…For the Coastal Flood Warning, High astronomical tides and large surf will cause moderate flooding in low lying areas along the Redwood Coast. Up to one foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Between 9.2 and 9.5 feet MLLW at the North Spit tide gauge is predicted. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of up to 23 ft.

* WHERE…Northern Humboldt Coast County.

* WHEN…For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 7 AM to 11 AM PST Friday. For the High Surf Advisory, until 9 PM PST this evening. High tide is at 9:11 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. Dangerous surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Beachcombing is highly discouraged!