National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have issued weather alerts for almost the entirety of California’s coastline, warning mariners and beachgoers alike of dangerous ocean conditions.
Why It Matters
The slew of warnings and advisories comes as an atmospheric river moves out of the region after slamming the Golden State over the weekend. Another storm is approaching California from the northwest and is expected to bring heavy rain and mountain snow to much of the state beginning on Wednesday night and lasting through the end of the week.
What to Know
Current alerts along California’s shores warn of dangerous conditions for boats amid strong winds and hazardous seas. Most of the alerts are set to expire by Tuesday or Wednesday, but an NWS spokesperson from the Eureka office said it’s possible similar alerts will be issued later in the week as the incoming storm arrives.
NWS Eureka, in Northern California, has issued a gale warning and a small craft advisory, expiring at 9 p.m. PST Tuesday night and 3 a.m. Wednesday morning, respectively.
For the gale warning, north winds up to 35 knots, or roughly 40 mph, were expected, as well as seas of 11 to 14 feet. The warning is in place for Point St. George to Cape Mendocino and from Cape Mendocino to Point Arena.
North winds were slightly less severe at up to 30 knots for the small craft advisory warning area of Point St. George to Cape Mendocino and Cape Mendocino to Point Arena, with seas of 7 to 11 feet.
The NWS office in San Francisco issued several small craft advisories for coastal locations within its forecast area. North winds ranged from 5 to 30 knots (6 to 34 mph), depending on location, with seas of 8 to 12 feet.
NWS Los Angeles also issued several small craft advisories. These advisories did not specify wind strength or sea height but did warn of “hazardous sea conditions.” The office also issued a marine weather statement warning of a chance of thunderstorms through 6 p.m. PST on Tuesday.
What People Are Saying
NWS Los Angeles in a marine weather statement: “Any thunderstorms that form will be capable of producing local gale force winds and rough seas, dangerous lightning, heavy rainfall with reduced visibility, and waterspouts.”
NWS Eureka 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.”
NWS San Francisco in a small craft advisory: “Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.”
What Happens Next
Most alerts will expire by Tuesday night or Wednesday, but boaters in the area should monitor the forecast and follow the advice of local weather officials, as winter months in California are known for strong winds and hazardous ocean conditions.