What the Port is doing
The Port is installing temporary flood barriers in preparation for potential El Niño-driven flooding during the 2026–2027 winter season. The locations of the temporary barriers are:
- The Embarcadero from Pier 1 to Pier ½ and from the Agriculture Building to Pier 22½;
- Pier 45;
- Pier 80 along Islais Creek; and
- The south side of Pier 96.
The barriers are an important measure intended to reduce flood risk while preserving day-to-day waterfront and building access whenever conditions allow.
Barrier installation along the Embarcadero began the evening of November 13. Work along the Embarcadero will occur during evening hours to minimize impacts to pedestrians and other activity.
Installation at all barrier locations is expected to be completed on or around November 21, 2026. We anticipate the barriers will remain in place through April 2027.
This temporary system will consist of fixed and movable barriers. Openings between the fixed barriers will be provided where needed to support waterfront and building access under normal conditions.
In advance of likely flooding, some access openings will be closed by the movable barriers. The movable barriers will be installed temporarily, as needed, and removed after the event or events have passed.
The temporary barriers are designed to retain up to 1.5 feet of bay water above the existing seawall and to mitigate wave effects on top of the high flood waters. Larger waves may go over the top of the barriers, but the barriers will reduce the total amount of water moving inland. Seepage through the barrier system is expected. Wave and seepage water will be pumped back over the barriers to the Bay. The Port will observe performance of the barrier system and will make adjustments as needed.
Port tenants may experience disruptions near barrier alignments during installation, deployment, inspection, maintenance and removal. These disruptions may include temporary shifts in access routes, limited access to certain areas or other inconveniences. Site-specific notifications will be provided as scheduling and access details are confirmed.
See the November 10, 2026 Port Commission presentation for further details of the temporary barriers.
What Port tenants can do
While flooding impacts to facilities and transportation modes vary by location, Port tenants may experience disruptions during periods of exceptionally high tides and storm activity.
Protective steps include:
- Identify areas that may be vulnerable to flooding or standing water;
- Protect building openings with sandbags or other flood protection;
- Protect sensitive equipment and supplies that can’t be moved from floodwaters;
- Secure outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings; including crab pots;
- Move vehicles, and elevate equipment, and valuable items from low-lying areas;
- Ensure employees and visitors know how to receive updates and respond to weather-related disruptions to transportation and workplace access; and
- Prepare vessels for high winds, and sea levels, and potential power outages.
Resources
Alerts
- AlertSF emergency notifications: alertsf.org or text your ZIP Code to 888-777
Before, during, after storms
Weather
Port Fact Sheets
Page updated: Nov. 13, 2026