SF installs flood barriers along popular waterfront ahead of winter storms: 'Race against time'

SF installs flood barriers along popular waterfront ahead of winter storms: 'Race against time' Barriers expected to remain through April; designed to help reduce flooding in areas that have experienced high-water impacts By Gloria Rodríguez Wednesday, November 11, 2026 3:53AM Crews are installing temporary flood barriers along portions of San Francisco's waterfront this week as the city prepares for winter storms. SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Crews are installing temporary flood barriers along portions of San Francisco's waterfront this week as the city prepares for winter storms, king tides and El Niño conditions. The barriers are expected to remain in place through April and are designed to help reduce flooding in areas that have experienced high-water impacts in the past. It's a race against the clock for waterfront preparations, according to the Port of San Francisco. "What we're having that's unusual this winter is we're having El Nino impacts, plus Kelvin waves and the possibility of storms," said Eric Young, of the Port of San Francisco. "And so when you combine all those effects together, we could see some very high waves in the bay and the possibility of flooding along the waterfront." The barriers, which include a combination of fixed and movable sections about 4 feet high, will be installed at several flood-prone locations, including sections of the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building, the Fisherman's Wharf area, and near Piers 80 and 96. MORE: How El Niño ocean temperatures are impacting the dense fog blanketing the Bay Area Crews were already preparing for installation near Fisherman's Wharf. At Musée Mécanique, the antique arcade near Fisherman's Wharf, manager Joaquin Garcia said flooding has been a concern in the past. "In the past when the rain has gotten really bad, sometimes it leaks through to the walls and it gets inside and we have to get like some specialists to get the out. So that costs a lot of money. And that would definitely be a big concern for us." El Niño Effect: How climate pattern could reshape California's winter California could feel significant impacts from the return of El Niño, a climate pattern linked to some of the state's most memorable winter storms. Man charged with murder after crashing into car at nearly 100 mph killing toddler near Apple HQ Nima Momeni sentenced to 16 years to life for killing Cash App founder Bob Lee 1 hour ago Storm to bring rain, dangerous surf to Bay Area and more than a foot of snow to the Sierra Nearby business owner Don McFarland, of Sabella & La Torre, said he has seen city and port crews taking steps to prepare for storm season. "Between the port and the city, they've been.. I've seen the water department out here doing the drains so I think they're getting ahead of it." MORE: Preparing for El Niño: What homeowners should do ahead of rainy weather this winter The temporary barriers are part of a broader effort to protect the city's waterfront from flooding. Long-term plans around the Ferry Building area include seawall replacement, flood protection and seismic strengthening. The efforts are also expected to be discussed during Tuesday's Port Commission meeting. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics SAN FRANCISCO FISHERMAN'S WHARF EL NINO WEATHER FLOODING STORM WINTER Live Streams ON NOW Man charged with murder after crash that killed toddler near Apple HQ Nima Momeni sentenced for killing Cash App founder Bob Lee 1 hour ago Storm to bring rain, dangerous surf to Bay Area Search called off for Bay Area woman swept into ocean near Santa Cruz 49ers/Raiders fans ejected, arrested after fights at Levi's Stadium San Jose declares emergency ahead of El Niño 3 hours ago Major airline warning customers about a new scam 20 minutes ago Judge orders ICE release UC Berkeley student after SFO arrest