Rare Kelvin Wave Expected to Influence Water Levels On the Central Coast

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) - An unusual ocean water wave is moving across the Pacific and eventually it will impact our Central Coast on top of the El Nino issues already surfacing.

Elevated water levels from a Kelvin wave have been detected off the coast of Mexico. By mid-October the water could move up the Southern California coast and raise levels by several inches in some area.

Combine that with any storm system or high tide cycle and there could be damaging impacts to coastal bluffs, harbors and homes near the ocean's edge.

Climatologists say satellite images have already shown changes in Puerto Vallarta Mexico and water temperatures from the changes have been measured into the mid-80 degree range.

As the bulging under surface wave moves closer more accurate possible impacts will be calculated.

Experts say this is not a tsunami type wave.

It is also unclear what impacts the Channel Islands and Point Conception will have on the wave effects as it comes through.

(More details, photos and video will be added here later today.)