*Local News
Coast Guard warns boaters to use caution in the water
Posted: Jan 20, 2010 4:17 PM by Aly Kline
The Coast Guard warns residents living in southern California coastal communities to be aware of dangerous and unpredictable weather conditions. Storm warnings, high wind warnings and small craft advisories will continue to be in effect through late tonight.
Locally, the cities of Morro Bay and Avila Beach have been hit with large swells and blustery winds. Because of the severity of the winds, the Coast Guard strongly recommends that members of the community avoid taking to the water until the storm passes.
"We've got hazardous bar conditions," remarked Petty Officer Morgan Adkins from the Morro Bay Coast Guard Station.
Both recreational and commercial vessels are recommended to stay in port until the wind and rain subside. Commercial boaters who need to get underway should prepare for harsh winds and damaging sea conditions.
High wind speeds are expected, making navigation on the water difficult.
"We're at 40 knots right now," Adkins added.
With sustained wind of 40 miles per hour and gusts of 60 miles per hour, this powerful storm has the potential to hit southwest California with some of the strongest winds associated with a frontal system in years.
In addition, there have been reports in Avila Beach of boats running aground. The Coast Guard encourages all vessel owners and operators to check the mooring and anchoring of their vessels. In heavy seas, boats can break free from their mooring and become adrift in the open sea or run aground. Adrift and aground vessels can pose hazards to the community and the environment. The Coast Guard advises vessel owners and operators to take extra precautions by attending to mooring safety and securing potential sources of marine pollution.
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