Waterways and low-lying areas around the Bay Area are under a coastal flood advisory through Thursday morning, as warming ocean temperatures and sea level rise threaten to push high tides well above normal levels. The National Weather Service issued the advisory for tidal waterways and low-lying spots around the San Francisco and San Pablo bays. High tides could reach up to 1.7 feet above average, potentially causing minor flooding on roads and in parks, including along San Francisco’s Embarcadero. Meteorologists attribute the unusually high water levels to a combination of sea level rise and thermal expansion caused by warmer-than-average temperatures across the Pacific Ocean. The rising waters are part of a recent pattern. Tides in the Bay Area reached 2 feet above normal in June and 2.5 feet above normal in January. At San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, visitors noted the unusually warm water but acknowledged the risks associated with the changing conditions. “I am very cautious of our water advisories, so I appreciate our science people,” said Karen Gehrman, who was visiting the beach. The San Francisco Fire Department is urging people near the water to remain vigilant while the advisory is in effect. Samuel Menchaca, a fire department spokesperson, reminded visitors about the dangers of sneaker waves, rip currents and the changing evolution of the ocean. “Never turn your back on the ocean, to be safe,” Menchaca said. Beachgoers familiar with the area know to keep an eye out for rip currents. “There are many of them and they change all the time, so it’s quite dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing,” San Francisco resident Peter Cao said. ...read more read less