Kelvin Wave Could Worsen Coastal Erosion in California

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A Kelvin wave linked to the developing El Niño could raise sea levels by up to 6 inches in California this October, worsening coastal erosion. AccuWeather forecaster Jason Nicholls says the wave has already influenced sea levels up to 4 inches off California’s coast and could reach about 2 inches off Oregon and Washington. This warm water pulse moves slowly across the Pacific and adds to existing storm impacts, increasing flooding risks during high tides and storms. Coastal communities brace for these effects amid ongoing weather challenges. Disclosure: This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.

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00:00sea levels in california could rise about six inches above normal this october that increase

00:05comes from a kelvin wave linked to the developing super el nino a kelvin wave is a massive pulse of

00:11warm water pushed across the equatorial pacific by strong westerly winds accuweather's jason

00:17nichols explains these waves form when trade winds weaken and westerly bursts drive warm water

00:23eastward this wave has already lifted sea levels over a foot off south america and is now reaching

00:29baja california off the u.s west coast sea levels are up to four inches higher already oregon and

00:35washington expect smaller rises near two inches by mid-october even a few extra inches can worsen

00:41flooding and erosion during storms and king tides california's coast already stressed by recent

00:47storms faces heightened risks as this kelvin wave arrives disclosure this video contains stock

00:53footage and content created or enhanced using ai-assisted tools

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