Kelvin Wave Hits West Coast

What happened

The outlets' own sentences, most widely reported first. Hover or tap one to see who reported it.

Analysis

How it changed

1. 30 Sep

   The Kelvin wave doesn’t climb and crash like a typical ocean wave; rather, it swells the tides from beneath the surface.

   4 outlets · The Guardian
2. 3 Oct

   Winds blowing east to west along the equator push water in the Pacific Ocean west toward Asia, Jacox said.

   3 outlets · The Independent
3. 6 Oct

   Local authorities there are placing emergency sand on beaches and expect the Kelvin wave to raise water levels six to 12 inches, the Associated Press reports.

   3 outlets · CBC

Coverage 6 articles

• 6 Oct Giant underwater Kelvin wave could 'pack a punch' for B.C. in mid-October
  CBC
• 3 Oct A pulse of warm water hitting the Pacific coast could mean erosion and floodingSea levels along the West Coast will rise up to a foot starting this month due to Kelvin waves moving north during the current super El Niño event. These waves, which can travel at about 6 miles per hour and span from California to Washington over several months, could exacerbate existing issues like beach erosion and flooding caused by high tides and storms. While not causing tsunamis, they raise sea levels and…Toronto Star
• 3 Oct A pulse of warm water hitting the Pacific coast could mean erosion and floodingKelvin waves, pulses of warm water expected to hit the Pacific Coast starting this month, will raise sea levels by up to a foot in California and continue northward over the next few weeks. These waves travel at about 6 miles per hour and could cause significant beach erosion and flooding, especially during high tides or storms. Experts predict that these effects, exacerbated by this year's strong El Niño, will…The Independent
• 3 Oct Freak ocean phenomenon takes hold of California coast with seas surgingCalifornia's coast is experiencing an unusual surge caused by a "Kelvin wave," which can raise sea levels up to one foot and increase flood risks significantly. This phenomenon, combined with elevated sea temperatures and recent hurricane impacts, could lead to record-high sea levels along the state’s coastline. Oceanographers warn that every two to four inches of additional sea level rise doubles the flood risk for…New York Post
• 30 Sep A giant ‘pulse wave’ is about to slam into California - here’s how it will impact the West CoastA significant wave of energy, known as a Kelvin wave, is set to hit California's coast in October due to strengthening El Niño conditions. This event could raise sea levels by up to one foot, posing risks to coastal areas already affected by climate change and the natural phenomenon of king tides during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Experts warn that this is just the beginning, with more severe impacts anticipated…The Independent
• 30 Sep California rushes to prepare for massive ‘Kelvin’ wave and predicted sea level riseCalifornia is preparing for the arrival of a "Kelvin wave," an underwater band of warm water that could raise sea levels along the coast by about one foot starting in early October. This wave, driven by El Niño conditions, combines with existing climate-induced sea level rise of 8-12 inches over the last century to pose significant flooding risks for coastal communities. Scientists warn that if this coincides with…The Guardian

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