Transcript (en)

A Kelvin wave is currently moving along the coast of Mexico and it's expected to reach California by next month. These Kelvin waves actually originate far, far away in the western equatorial Pacific Ocean. They're actually a foundational component of what drives El Nino and that massive amount of warming that we're seeing in the eastern equatorial Pacific. Dr. Amaya says along with elevated sea levels, the effects of this Kelvin wave will be long lasting. Tides that are blowing, that are coming through, there are going to be waves and winds pushing water around. But when you raise the background sea state by this much over a large area, it takes anywhere from three to six months to sort of relax back down to where it wants to be. And this comes as El Nino continues to strengthen. Scientists say stronger storms combined with higher sea levels could set communities up for a dangerous fall and winter. These Kelvin waves can raise sea levels above their background states by 6 to 12 inches and obviously that's going to increase our risk for coastal inundation or coastal flooding. Although the wave itself won't be noticeable to swimmers or boaters, it will be if it arrives during a storm or high tide. California's coastline could see even higher water levels as El Nino continues to strengthen.