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

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.

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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."

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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."

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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.