San Francisco, CA – Mariners off the Northern California coast are facing rapidly worsening conditions today, with multiple storm-level warnings in effect from Point Arena to Pigeon Point. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued overlapping Small Craft, Gale, and Storm Warnings lasting through Thursday morning.
According to the NWS San Francisco Bay Area, winds will intensify throughout Wednesday, starting with gusts up to 30 knots before escalating to storm-force levels after 9 p.m. Seas are forecast to rise between 10 and 15 feet, creating life-threatening conditions for smaller vessels.
The most hazardous period is expected Wednesday night into Thursday morning, when sustained southeast winds of 25 to 35 knots could bring gusts as high as 50 to 55 knots (around 60 mph). Forecasters warn that “storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.”
The warnings cover:
- Point Reyes to Pigeon Point (out to 60 NM)
- Point Arena to Point Reyes (out to 60 NM)
- Cape Mendocino to Point Arena (out to 60 NM)
Conditions are expected to improve slowly late Thursday, though high seas above 10 feet may persist into Friday. Mariners are urged to remain in port, secure equipment, and avoid travel until the system passes.
This powerful Pacific storm marks one of the strongest marine wind events so far this fall season.
