UPDATE: Boaters, beach goers urged to exercise caution during upcoming storms

DATE: January 21, 2010 2:21:59 PM PST

Coast Guard Public Affairs Detachment San Diego

DHS USCG Banner

News Release

Date: Jan. 21, 2010
Contact: Petty Officer Jetta Disco
619-247-2478

UPDATE: Boaters, beach goers urged to exercise caution during upcoming storms

SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Coast Guard continues to urge mariners and beach goers to exercise caution when venturing out during the week's storms, as the National Weather Service has issued an urgent marine weather statement for Southern California warning of gale force winds and hazardous seas to continue through the weekend.

The fourth and perhaps the strongest of the storms is expected to impact waters from San Mateo Point, Calif., to the Mexican border extending west 60 miles. The storms have already caused severe flooding of the Tijuana River prompting an early morning search for three people who were swept away in the fast-moving current.

According to the NWS, a rare storm surge is expected to raise the risk of coastal flooding. The potential for coastal flooding will be greater today and Friday when the storm surge is expected to be higher due to the combination of:

     *High Surf with 15-20 foot breakers
     *Strong south to Southwest winds of 25-35 miles per hour with gusts more than 50
      miles per hour at times
     *High tides nearing five feet.

Boaters are urged to stay docked in harbor when these conditions are present. If it is necessary to get underway, mariners are urged to check that all of their safety equipment is on board and in good condition.

There should be a personal flotation device 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.

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 Coast Guard strongly recommends that people avoid going near beaches or other low-lying coastal areas, especially jetties and rocky areas. Large waves can quickly and unexpectedly sweep a person from these areas. Even the strongest swimmers can quickly be overtaken by the power of the sea, especially when cold-water temperatures are factored in.

For more information on boating safety and required and recommended safety equipment, please visit www.uscgboating.org.

For more information on weather conditions, please visit www.weather.gov.

For the National Weather Service advisories, click the following link:

http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=SGX&wwa=all

100119-G-3421D-072-Ocean-Beach-Pier
SAN DIEGO - The Ocean Beach Pier, a notable San Diego landmark, is engulfed by high surf as a series of waves roll through, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010. Strong winter storms continue to impact Southern California with pounding surf, torrential rains, and howling winds. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jetta H. Disco.

Please select the link format below for FILE footage of the storms including Coast Guard Station San Diego, San Diego Lifeguards, and citizens preparing for the storms.

For Windows Media (wmv) video format click:
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=758677

For Movie (mov) video format click:
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=758681

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