TRANSCRIPT
Oh my gosh. Wow. [Music]
Narrator: San Francisco and the wider Bay Area experienced significant flooding on January 4th and 5th, 2026, after a powerful winter storm coincided with exceptionally high seasonal tides. The combination of sustained rainfall, strong onshore winds, and elevated coastal water levels pushed seawater and runoff into low-lying neighborhoods, waterfront roads, and transit corridors, disrupting daily life across the region at the start of the new year along the city's eastern waterfront, including parts of the Embaradero and Mission Bay.
Tidal waters overtopped drainage systems and pulled on streets and prominades. In several locations, water spread into parking areas, bike paths, and ground level public spaces, forcing temporary closures. Similar scenes were reported in shoreline communities around San Francisco Bay, where access roads were submerged during peak tides and remained impassible for hours. transportation was among the most affected services.
Flooded roadways slowed traffic throughout the city and neighboring counties, while commuters were urged to avoid coastal routes during high tide periods. Some bus routes were rerouted and travel times lengthened as crews worked to clear debris and drain standing water. Ride hail services and deliveries faced delays, compounding disruptions for residents returning to work after the holiday weekend.
Homes and businesses in low-lying areas reported water intrusion, particularly in basement, garages, and storage spaces. Property owners described damage to flooring, electrical systems, and stored goods, as well as the loss of equipment in small waterfront businesses. Building managers deployed pumps and sandbags while residents moved belongings to higher ground in anticipation of additional high tides. Public services were placed under strain as city crews responded to blocked storm drains, downed debris, and flooded intersections. Emergency management officials issued repeated advisories, warning of hazardous travel conditions, and urging people to keep clear of flooded streets.
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Coastal flood advisories remained in effect through January 5th, reflecting concerns that elevated tides could prolong impacts even as rainfall eased.
The flooding also disrupted daily routines in subtler but widespread ways. Parents navigated altered school dropoff routes. Workers adjusted schedules around impassible streets and outdoor activities along the waterfront were cancelled. Parks and recreational paths near the bay were closed, limiting access to popular public spaces and highlighting the vulnerability of shoreline amenities. Meteorologists attributed the event to a convergence of factors rather than a single extreme downpour. Seasonal king tides, the highest astronomical tides of the year, were amplified by storm surge from persistent winds and steady rain. With the ground already saturated, runoff drained slowly, allowing water to linger in streets and low spots long after peak tides passed.
City and regional officials said the incident underscored ongoing challenges posed by coastal flooding in San Francisco. Aging drainage infrastructure, extensive shoreline development, and rising sea levels have increased the city's exposure to such events. In recent years, authorities have expanded temporary flood defenses and long-term adaptation planning. But the January flooding demonstrated how quickly daily life can be disrupted when multiple risk factors align.
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In neighboring Bay Area counties, particularly Marin and parts of the East Bay, flooding compounded regional disruption. Low-line communities near tidal marshes saw streets temporarily transformed into shallow waterways, cutting off access to residential blocks and shopping areas. Some residents reported difficulty reaching essential services, including pharmacies and grocery stores, as parking lots and connecting roads were inundated during peak water levels. Commercial activity across the waterfront economy slowed noticeably. Port operations faced minor delays as access routes flooded while restaurants and shops along the bayfront closed for portions of the weekend.
Small business owners described lost revenue during what is typically a busy period, noting that cleanup and repairs extended beyond the immediate end of the storm. They slowed down. A [Music] Utilities were also affected, though widespread outages were avoided. Localized electrical and communication disruptions occurred where water reached underground infrastructure, prompting precautionary shutdowns and inspections.
Public works departments worked around the clock to clear storm drains clogged with debris. An effort officials said was critical to preventing more extensive flooding. [Music] Officials emphasized that while January's flooding did not involve a single catastrophic failure, its cumulative effects were significant. The event interrupted transportation, commerce, and daily routines for tens of thousands of people, illustrating how moderate but overlapping hazards can produce widespread disruption. As San Francisco continues to plan for future storms, the January 4th to 5th flooding has become another data point in the city's ongoing assessment of how to protect a dense low-lying coastal metropolis. Thanks for watching Severe Weather, where we break down the facts behind nature's most intense moments. If you found this video helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe. Your support keeps this channel going. Hit the bell so you never miss a real, calm, and clear report. Note, some footage in this video may be used for illustration and may not show the exact event described. See you in the next one. Stay informed. All From Severe Weather Wind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpw0a4nkRYc

