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Kelvin wave from super El Niño could raise California sea levels

A powerful Kelvin wave triggered by this year’s super El Niño is moving up the Pacific coast and could raise California sea levels.

SourcesThe Guardian11:00 UTCLive Science16:10 UTCSave

Key points

From Live Science’s report
  • A powerful internal Kelvin wave, triggered by this year's super El Niño, is moving up the Pacific coast.
  • Researchers warn it could raise California sea levels by up to 1 foot (30 centimeters) for months.
  • The wave may amplify damage from storms, surges, flooding and coastal erosion this winter.
  • Tides plus the Kelvin wave could distort normal tides, increasing high and low tides.
  • California Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources ahead of storms.

Why it matters. Researchers say it may add one foot for months, worsening winter storm surges, flooding, erosion, and tidal extremes.

What to watch. Governor Newsom declared an emergency as California prepares for storms and monitors coastal water levels and tide changes.

Coverage

Oldest first · UTC

“California rushes to prepare for massive ‘Kelvin’ wave and predicted sea level rise”

Key points from The Guardian
  • Scientists warn a Kelvin wave may raise California coastal waters by about a foot.
  • The wave is approaching southern California and could reach the Bay Area by October.
  • El Niño conditions are driving the warm water causing higher tides and surges.
  • Officials emphasize preparations include sandbags, drains, barriers, and public checklists.
  • Experts compare potential impacts to the 1997-1998 winter coastal flooding.
SourceThe GuardianUnited KingdomLeanCenter-leftCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at The Guardian

“Powerful 'Kelvin wave' triggered by super El Niño threatens to raise sea levels off the California coast for months”

Key points from Live Science
  • A powerful internal Kelvin wave, triggered by this year's super El Niño, is moving up the Pacific coast.
  • Researchers warn it could raise California sea levels by up to 1 foot (30 centimeters) for months.
  • The wave may amplify damage from storms, surges, flooding and coastal erosion this winter.
  • Tides plus the Kelvin wave could distort normal tides, increasing high and low tides.
  • California Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources ahead of storms.
SourceLive ScienceUnited StatesLeanCenterCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at Live Science

Coverage

Oldest first · UTC
SourceThe GuardianUnited KingdomLeanCenter-leftCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at The Guardian“California rushes to prepare for massive ‘Kelvin’ wave and predicted sea level rise”
Key points from The Guardian
  • Scientists warn a Kelvin wave may raise California coastal waters by about a foot.
  • The wave is approaching southern California and could reach the Bay Area by October.
  • El Niño conditions are driving the warm water causing higher tides and surges.
  • Officials emphasize preparations include sandbags, drains, barriers, and public checklists.
  • Experts compare potential impacts to the 1997-1998 winter coastal flooding.
SourceLive ScienceUnited StatesLeanCenterCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at Live Science“Powerful 'Kelvin wave' triggered by super El Niño threatens to raise sea levels off the California coast for months”
Key points from Live Science
  • A powerful internal Kelvin wave, triggered by this year's super El Niño, is moving up the Pacific coast.
  • Researchers warn it could raise California sea levels by up to 1 foot (30 centimeters) for months.
  • The wave may amplify damage from storms, surges, flooding and coastal erosion this winter.
  • Tides plus the Kelvin wave could distort normal tides, increasing high and low tides.
  • California Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources ahead of storms.

Why it’s in the Brief

Ranked 7th of 10.

Starting score
5.0
Public-interest topic
+1.0
Public-interest terms in the text
+1.25
High-reliability sources
+0.75
Corroboration by independent outlets
+0.8
Score
8.8

The ranking is the same for everyone.

Perspective mix. 1 center-left · 1 center.RatingsAllSides and Media Bias/Fact CheckLean and credibility are curated from their public ratings.Unknown outlets stay unrated, never guessed.

Blindspot. No right-leaning outlet is covering this story. Worth knowing before you make up your mind.