Eureka, CA – A powerful Pacific storm is bringing severe marine conditions to the Northern California coast, with multiple Storm Warnings in effect from Tuesday evening through early Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service offices in Eureka and San Francisco.
Forecasters warn of southeast winds between 30 and 40 knots, with gusts up to 60 knots, and seas rising to 13 to 18 feet offshore. The strongest winds are expected from 9 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday, impacting waters from Point St. George to Point Arena, including the Cape Mendocino region and offshore areas near Point Reyes.
Earlier in the day, Small Craft Advisories and Gale Warnings are in effect as winds steadily increase ahead of the main front. Conditions are forecast to worsen rapidly by Tuesday evening, with storm-force winds and large, breaking seas expected to make navigation extremely dangerous.
The National Weather Service urges all mariners to remain in port, secure vessels, and avoid coastal operations during this period. Visibility will be poor due to blowing spray and heavy rain accompanying the front.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve by late Wednesday morning, though rough seas will linger through the day as the system exits eastward.
