King Tides Prep for Bayside Redwood City Homes

When extra‑high tides push into the Bay, a few inches can turn into flooded streets and soggy garages fast. If you live along the bayside of Redwood City, you want a simple plan you can use before the water rises. This guide gives you clear steps to prepare for king tides, plus long‑term tips, insurance basics, and local projects to watch. Let’s dive in.

King tides in Redwood City

King tides are the highest predictable tides of the year. They usually arrive in late fall and winter and give you a preview of future sea levels. You can check upcoming dates and learn how they work through the California King Tides Project at the California Coastal Commission. In Redwood City, local tide timing and height are what matter most because even small bumps can affect low roads, marinas, and storm drains.

Flooding hotspots to watch

• Redwood Shores. Built on former marshland and protected by levees, this area is low‑lying and sensitive to high tides and drainage limits.
• Downtown bayshore and marina area. Parking lots, waterfront roads, and nearby public spaces occasionally see ponding during peak tides and storms.
• Bayfront Canal and Atherton Channel corridor. High tides can slow stormwater outflow, increasing street and yard flooding during heavy rain.

48‑hour king tide checklist

• Monitor official forecasts
  • Check NOAA’s tide predictions for Redwood City and watch for Coastal Flood Advisories.
• Move what matters early
  • Park vehicles on higher ground before the peak. Elevate boxes, electronics, and rugs off floors. Store key documents in waterproof containers.
• Protect entry points
  • Place sandbags or temporary barriers at garage doors and ground‑level thresholds. FEMA and NFIP offer a simple prep list here: Flood preparation checklist.
• Safeguard utilities
  • Unplug floor‑level electronics. If water may reach equipment, be ready to shut off power or gas only if you know how and it is safe.
• Stay safe around water
  • Floodwater is hazardous. Keep kids and pets away and never drive through standing water. Follow NWS guidance to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” from Weather.gov.

Home upgrades that help

• Elevate utilities and add backups. Raising HVAC units, water heaters, and electrical panels above expected water levels reduces damage. Add sump pumps with battery backup. See FEMA’s tips to protect your property.
• Install backflow protection. A backflow valve can keep sewer water from entering your home during high tides and storms.
• Use flood‑resistant materials. When remodeling ground levels, choose finishes that can get wet and be cleaned quickly.
• Improve site drainage. Keep gutters clear, extend downspouts, and confirm grading moves water away from your foundation.
• Ask about insurance incentives. Some mitigation steps may help with NFIP costs. Review the homeowner insurance checklist for documentation and tips.

Insurance and disclosures

• Flood insurance basics. Most homeowners policies exclude flood damage. If you need coverage, buy an NFIP or private policy well before the season because many policies have a 30‑day waiting period. The NFIP has a simple flood preparation checklist to help you plan.
• Required seller disclosures. In California, sellers must provide a Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement that includes flood information. You can read the statute at California Civil Code §1103.2. Buyers can also review Redwood City’s sea level rise page for current studies and updates at the City of Redwood City.

Community projects and timeline

• Bayfront Canal and Atherton Channel. A conveyance project added culverts to reduce flood frequency when tides run high. See the project overview from OneShoreline.
• Redwood Shores levee work. Planning and improvements are underway to strengthen levees and support future FEMA accreditation. Follow updates at OneShoreline’s Redwood Shores page.
• City planning. Redwood City launched a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Study and coordinates with regional partners. Track progress on the City of Redwood City sea level rise page.

Ready to talk through timing, disclosures, or how to prep your property before listing or buying near the Bay? Reach out to Kelly Dippel for calm, step‑by‑step guidance, plus access to vetted local vendors for pre‑sale improvements and smart buyer strategies.

FAQs

What is a king tide and why is it significant?

• A king tide is a naturally occurring, extra‑high tide that happens a few times a year and shows how routine water levels could look in the future, helping you gauge local exposure.

Which Redwood City areas often see king tide effects?

• Low‑lying bayside areas such as parts of Redwood Shores, the marina waterfront, and the Bayfront Canal corridor can experience ponding or street flooding during peak tides.

How can I protect my home right before a king tide?

• Move cars and valuables to higher ground, place sandbags at low doors, unplug floor‑level electronics, and check tide times so you take action before the peak.

Will standard homeowners insurance cover tidal flooding?

• No. You usually need separate flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier, and many policies have a waiting period, so plan ahead.

What disclosures should I expect when buying or selling?

• Sellers must provide a Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement, which includes flood information, and buyers should review local studies and maps to understand parcel‑level risk.