California – California’s coastline faces dangerous marine conditions this week, as gale-force winds and high seas have triggered a series of advisories and warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS). Stretching from the Oregon border down to Mexico, the Pacific coast is under some form of marine alert, with particularly hazardous conditions for mariners and swimmers expected through at least Wednesday night.
Strong northwest winds—forecasted to gust up to 45 knots (about 50 mph)—are combining with rough seas of 9 to 12 feet in some regions, prompting small craft advisories and more severe gale warnings. The NWS urges boaters to remain docked and secure their vessels, as smaller boats are especially vulnerable to capsizing or damage in such conditions.
“These are steep, wind-induced waves caused by a strong ridge of high pressure building offshore,” said NWS meteorologist Julia Moreland, based at the Eureka office. “We’re seeing an increase in northerly flow that’s creating these hazardous conditions for mariners.”…