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U.S. Coast Guard |
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Weather Advisory |
Date: December 24, 2008 Contact: Anthony Turner |
| Coast Guard urges extreme caution due to hazardous sea conditions |
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LOS ANGELES - The National Weather Service is warning of gale force winds (sustained surface winds of 39 to 54 miles per hour) and high seas beginning today that are expected to last through tomorrow. The Coast Guard strongly urges recreational boaters to exercise extreme caution during this time. Over the next two days a strong Pacific storm system is expected to generate seas of up to 17 feet in the area from Morro Bay to Point Conception and up to 10 feet from Point Conception south to Dana Point. These high seas combined with gale force winds will produce dangerous conditions for small craft. The storm will also bring a threat of thunderstorms to the coastal waters beginning this afternoon to tonight. According to the National Weather Service, conditions will be favorable for the formation of funnel clouds or waterspouts as the main front moves through. Boaters who plan on venturing out should take extra precautions to ensure their own safety. There must be a life jacket onboard for each person, sized accordingly. If boaters will be traveling offshore, it is strongly recommended that there be an immersion suit or other full-body protection, as water temperatures will be cold, and hypothermia can quickly overtake the average person. All boaters should have a working marine VHF radio on board to contact the Coast Guard on Channel 16 should an emergency arise and a 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) on board. The Coast Guard also strongly recommends that all boaters file a float plan (www.floatplancentral.org) with a friend or family member on land, with an approximate time of return and location to which you will be heading. It is also recommended that you regularly check in with those who are aware of your plan, especially if your plan should change. Mariners should check current and forecasted weather conditions prior to getting underway, and remain aware of changing conditions once on the water. The National Weather Service broadcasts weather conditions throughout the day on VHF channel WX2. The Coast Guard broadcasts weather conditions on VHF channel 22A at 9:30 a.m., noon, and 4:30 p.m. The most current marine forecast is available on the National Weather Service web site at http://www.weather.gov/. Boating safety requirements and education information can be found at http://www.uscgboating.org/. |
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