As the first week of January 2026 unfolded, a relentless barrage of storms, king tides, and atmospheric rivers battered the West Coast and beyond, unleashing widespread flooding and travel chaos from California to the Pacific Northwest and as far east as coastal North Carolina. Communities found themselves racing against rising waters, with emergency responders and weather officials urging vigilance as flood advisories and warnings blanketed the region.
In Marin County, California, residents awoke to a second consecutive day of severe flooding on January 4, as the highest king tides since 1998 collided with a powerful storm surge and sheets of rain. According to CBS News Bay Area, the floodwaters at the Marin RV Park in Larkspur surged so rapidly that the driveway was cut off in less than 15 minutes. "So, it's been a mess today," said resident Roy Demicco, who described scrambling to move his vehicles and evacuate his son. Many others at the park rushed to relocate their cars and RVs to higher ground, with manager Sed Conklin noting, "If you look down our driveway, we're four feet deep. Some people moved RVs to higher ground. We had space to accommodate."
By late morning, the situation had grown dire. Both directions of Highway 101, a major artery for the region, were inundated, leaving cars stranded and traffic at a standstill. Ruthie Wahlborg, whose Mini Cooper was caught in the rising water, recounted, "As I tried to pass through the bigger part of the flood, I'm in a Mini Cooper, and it was too low. Here I sit." The California Highway Patrol was forced to hold traffic, eventually reducing the highway to a single lane. Video footage captured a car floating away near the Lucky Drive exit—its driver, though wet, was unharmed.
First responders were stretched thin as calls poured in. Central Marin Fire Battalion Chief Brian Peterson described the afternoon as "a bit of mayhem," emphasizing, "Our message: turn around. Don't drown. If you need help, call 911." Local businesses were not spared; Shineology car wash suffered flooding in its detailing garage and likely damage to its gas pumps. Nearby, the Trader Joe's store was cut off by rising waters, leaving employees and shoppers stranded. "Honestly, I find it cool. I've never seen anything like this. Not really cool, but it's crazy to see," said Lula Leopard, a worker at the store.
Further north, the National Weather Service in Eureka issued a broad Flood Watch through January 6 for Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, and southern Trinity counties. As reported by Redheaded Blackbelt, forecasters warned that one to four more inches of rain could fall, swelling creeks and rivers and raising the risk of rockslides and landslides. Highway 36 and the Avenue of the Giants were closed as of midnight on January 5 due to flooding. Rivers across the region were under close watch: the Russian River near Hopland was expected to reach flood stage at 15 feet, cresting near 15.6 feet by the evening of January 6, threatening minor flooding along Highway 175 and nearby farmland. The Eel River at Fernbridge and the Mad River near Arcata had already surpassed monitor stage, though they were not expected to reach official flood levels. Meanwhile, a Winter Storm Warning blanketed northern Trinity County, with up to a foot of snow forecast above 5,000 feet, making mountain travel hazardous.
Humboldt Bay was also bracing for impact. The National Weather Service Eureka, as cited by United Robots California, released a coastal flood advisory on January 5, warning that high astronomical tides would bring up to half a foot of saltwater inundation to low-lying areas around the bay, including parks and roads such as Jackson Ranch Road in the Arcata Bottoms and several roads in King Salmon. Tide gauges at the North Spit were projected to reach between 9.3 and 9.5 feet MLLW, with flooding likely one to two hours before and after the midday high tide. Residents and travelers were urged to stay alert and heed warnings, as even minor flooding could result in isolated road closures.
The Pacific Northwest was also feeling the effects. In Seattle and neighboring areas, the National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Advisory effective until 9 a.m. PST on January 6, covering zones such as Downtown Everett and Marysville. According to Hoodline, minor flooding was expected in low-lying coastal areas, with water levels potentially reaching 2.75 feet above ground. The forecast called for a high near 44°F with a 30 percent chance of rain in the morning, but a return to wet weather was imminent, with an 80 percent chance of rain and gusty winds after 4 a.m. on January 7. The unsettled pattern was set to persist through the week, with rain, occasional snow, and temperatures hanging in the mid to upper 40s. The National Weather Service cautioned residents and travelers not to bypass road barriers and to remain vigilant in flood-prone zones, reminding everyone that even minor flooding can have outsized consequences.
On the other side of the country, coastal North Carolina was not spared. The National Weather Service Wilmington NC issued a coastal flood advisory at 1:01 a.m. on January 5, valid from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Inland New Hanover. As reported by United Robots North Carolina, up to half a foot of inundation was expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, with minor flooding anticipated on USS North Carolina Road, Battleship Road, and Water Street in downtown Wilmington. Travelers were advised to allow extra time, avoid driving around barricades, and never attempt to cross water of unknown depth. The advisory emphasized, "If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property."
Throughout these advisories, a consistent message emerged: safety first. The National Weather Service repeatedly urged residents in flood-prone areas to seek higher ground immediately, evacuate if instructed, and avoid any contact with floodwaters, which can be deceptively powerful and potentially electrified. Motorists were reminded that as little as six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and twelve inches can sweep away most cars. Hydroplaning—when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads—was a particular concern, with officials recommending reduced speeds, avoidance of puddles, and extra caution near large vehicles. Should hydroplaning occur, drivers were advised to ease off the accelerator, steer into the skid, and brake gently, depending on their vehicle’s braking system.
As the week progressed, the relentless weather tested the resilience of communities up and down the coast. From the chaos of flooded highways in Marin to the watchful monitoring of rivers in northern California, and from Seattle’s persistent drizzle to the rising tides of Wilmington, the storms of early January 2026 served as a stark reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness. For many, the hope was simple: that the waters would recede, the sun would break through, and life could return to a semblance of normalcy—at least until the next round of storms rolls in.
