Hazardous weather coming!

valkyrie · 10-19-2007, 04:24 PM

U.S. Coast Guard
Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach

Press Release
Date: Oct. 19, 2007
Contact: Lt. j.g. Andrew Munoz
(310) 521-3610

WEATHER ADVISORY: COAST GUARD WARNS BOATERS TO EXPECT HIGH WINDS

LOS ANGELES - The US Coast Guard is warning boaters to be aware of high winds and seas expected to last through early next week from Point Conception to the Orange County coast. According to the National Weather Service a very strong and unusually long period of gusty winds up 46 mph is forecasted to affect portions of southern California coastal waters. Gale force winds are expected to cross into the outer coastal waters at Point Conception by this afternoon.
"Boaters should check the weather before heading out on the water. They should also know the limits of their boat." said Sandy Needle, a senior operations controller for Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach who is responsible for coordinating search and rescue.
"In conditions such as these, we can expect an increase of distress calls from small boat operators who underestimate the weather and overestimate the capabilities of their boat." said Needle.
A potentially strong Santa Ana wind event is expected by late Saturday night or Sunday morning. Gusty offshore winds are expected to affect the inner and outer coastal waters of Southern California Sunday into Monday.
The strongest offshore winds are expected to occur below passes and canyons of the inner coastal wasters from Rincon Point in Ventura County to San Mateo Point in southern Orange County. These favored locations will likely experience gale force winds during the peak of the event with gusts up to 46 mph possible.
The strong offshore winds will likely affect portions of the Channel Islands as well as the San Pedro Channel to Catalina Island. This is likely to impact Avalon Harbor at Catalina Island. Wind driven waves could build to 3 to 5 feet and move into the harbor.
The National Weather Service urges boaters in Avalon Harbor to take necessary precautions to secure their boats from the potentially hazardous winds and seas expected to move into the area on Sunday and Monday. Boaters should take into account that during Santa Ana wind events weather and sea conditions can change without warning.
According to Needle, boaters who do decide to venture out in these conditions should ensure they have Coast Guard approved lifejackets for everyone on board, a working marine band VHF radio, flares, and a GPS.
"One of the most important things a boater can do is tell someone - a family member, a friend - where they are going, the route they plan to take, and when they plan on getting there." said Needle. "So if they don't arrive at their destination, we at least have a starting point from which we can being our search."
The most current marine forecast is available on the National Weather Service web site at: http://www.weather.gov/.
The Coast Guard's safety equipment requirements are available at: http://www.uscgboating.org/.

wils · 10-19-2007, 04:27 PM

I guess that I am definitely locked in to two days of varnishing and other boater-type "honey-dos" this weekend, Frank.

If anyone feels the need to practice their varnishing, dont be shy......

**Joey805** · 10-19-2007, 07:19 PM

Anyone going hooping, please be careful.

I'll think i'm gonna keep the boat on the trailer this weekend unless something drastically changes.

**Carnivore** · 10-19-2007, 07:22 PM

Should be victory at sea inside the harbor if their predictions are right. I don't think it will get that bad in near water with a pressure fronts where they are but I am not sure enough to go out hehehe.

potto · 10-19-2007, 07:23 PM

Does anyone know what Carpenteria will be like tomorrow.
The town seems to be void of Santa Anas. The wind is from NorthEast and I am thinking the tourney should be cancelled if it get really crappy out. But Carp might be safe because of the mountains to the east.

**bajadave** · 10-20-2007, 08:03 AM

We canceled our trip today aboard the Island Spirit...............Snotty swells and the wind should pick up this afternoon.

phishy · 10-20-2007, 08:46 AM

anyone feel like going to rosa with me tomorrow?

Rhyno · 10-20-2007, 08:48 AM

The Carp event was scrubbed due to the advisories. We are in standy by mode for this evening for the morning tomorrow. Sure is not looking good!
TL Rhino