Dangerous conditions are developing up and down California’s coast, with gale-force winds and high seas prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue several advisories and warnings to mariners.
Newsweek reached out to the NWS offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco by phone for comment.
Why It Matters
While these warnings are common in certain parts of the coast during the transitional spring months, the extent and duration of the current alerts have raised concerns about safety in harbors, along beaches, and on open water. The rough conditions can endanger small vessels.
Closer to shore, swimmers also could be at risk as the strong winds increase the chance for rip currents.
What to Know
The entire Pacific coastline from the Washington border down to the Mexican border is under some form of marine alert, with forecasts calling for strong northwest winds and seas ranging from 7 to 12 feet through at least Wednesday night. In many areas, small craft advisories remain active alongside more severe gale warnings, as officials urge boaters to remain in port.
In California, the advisory area stretches from the northern NWS office in Eureka south through San Diego County. Winds are forecasted to gust up to 35 knots, which is equivalent to 40 mph. Some areas could see gusts up to 45 knots, or 50 mph. Seas in many regions are currently running 9 to 12 feet.
There is also a moderate risk of rip currents, which could pose a hazard to swimmers.
In San Francisco, the gale warnings will go into effect Tuesday afternoon and will last until early Thursday, though the warnings expire by Tuesday night in the Los Angeles forecast region.
Mariners have been advised to secure their vessels or remain docked altogether. Some advisories note that gusty winds and/or steep seas could capsize or damage smaller vessels.
The weather system is also affecting land areas. Wind advisories are in place for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, with gusts topping 45 mph expected. Those winds may down tree limbs and create difficult driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles.
The wind advisories are expected to last until early Wednesday.
What People Are Saying
NWS meteorologist Julia Moreland, who works at the Eureka office, told Newsweek: “[The small craft advisory] is being caused by strong, northerly winds offshore. We have a high-pressure ridge building into the waters, and that is what causes our increase in northerly flow. That creates steep wind waves, waves induced by wind.”
NWS Los Angeles in a gale warning: “Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.”
What Happens Next
As the system moves through the region, conditions are expected to gradually ease by Thursday or sooner. Before then, the NWS urges mariners to avoid operating their vessels in the hazardous conditions.
The post Entire California Coast Warned of Dangerous Ocean Conditions appeared first on Newsweek.
