The NOAA says a strong to very strong El Niño is likely through this winter and gives an 83% chance that this fall's event will be the strongest since 1950. That raises the odds of a wetter, harder winter and abnormally high tides.

This winter the ocean is running 1 to 2 feet higher than tide tables typically indicate. On king tide days, low lying streets, trails, and parking lots near the bay and coast may flood, even on sunny days. King tides are forecasted to occur during the following windows:

• Nov. 21 to 28, 2026
• Dec. 20 to 27, 2026
• Jan. 17 to 24, 2027

Stay out of floodwater, whether you're driving, walking, or biking.

Learn More

Learn what California is doing to prepare and what you can do to prepare yourself for the coming weather:

• As Flood Preparedness Week Begins, DWR Calls on All Californians to Prepare for an El Niño-Driven Winter (California Department of Water Resources)