Us Weather News

California Braces for Record El Niño and Kelvin Wave to Compound Coastal Flooding

California is preparing for a historic winter as a massive Kelvin wave, driven by a record-breaking El Niño, raises sea levels by up to a foot. This surge compounds existing climate change trends, threatening to double the 8-12 inch rise seen over the last century. While the wave itself does not crash like a tsunami, it elevates tides, amplifying the impact of storms and high tides. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as communities race to protect infrastructure, though experts warn that short-term defenses like seawalls may accelerate long-term beach erosion.