If you have been starting to get more storms tracking inland from the Pacific in northern California, then yes, you would be expected to get some above average high tide levels. I'm assuming that this has been the case. I saw some decent rain-makers affecting California during the last week or two, but do not remember just where they came ashore. I'm hoping that with this strong El Nino, northern California will benefit from greater than average winter rain, not just southern and central California, as often happens in more moderate El Nino events.