09/21/2026
POTENTIAL GALE FORCE WINDS AND HAZARDOUS SEAS
The National Weather Service is forecasting the potential for gale-force wind gusts and hazardous seas across the southern coastal waters beginning Tuesday and continuing through the upcoming weekend.
Mariners are advised of the following:
Gale-force wind gusts exceeding 40 mph are possible, with higher probabilities over the outer southern coastal waters.
Marginal gale-force winds may begin Tuesday afternoon, with the primary period of concern expected to begin early Thursday morning and continue through the weekend.
A Gale Watch for the southern coastal waters is expected to begin Tuesday afternoon, with the potential for the watch to be extended to additional areas.
Offshore seas of 10 to 15 feet are expected by midweek, with seas potentially increasing to 15 to 20 feet by Friday.
Conditions may deteriorate rapidly, particularly in exposed waters and areas outside the protection of the harbor.
MARINERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS IN ADVANCE
Mariners are strongly encouraged to take appropriate precautions before conditions deteriorate, including:
Removing vessels from the water where practical and appropriate.
Checking moorings, anchors, dock lines, and other securing arrangements to ensure they are properly configured and able to withstand forecasted conditions.
Adding or inspecting chafe protection and backup lines where appropriate.
Relocating vessels to protected waters or more secure locations when conditions warrant.
Securing or removing dinghies, tenders, sails, canvas, loose equipment, and other items that could become hazards during periods of strong winds.
Checking bilge pumps, batteries, and other essential equipment prior to the onset of deteriorating weather.
Avoiding unnecessary travel on exposed waters during periods of hazardous conditions.
Mariners should not wait until conditions deteriorate to secure their vessels or make necessary preparations.
Vessel operators are encouraged to continue monitoring National Weather Service forecasts, marine weather statements, Coast Guard broadcasts, and other official weather information as conditions develop.
The Harbormaster Division urges all mariners and waterfront property owners to take appropriate precautions and to plan accordingly for the possibility of strong winds, hazardous seas, and rapidly changing conditions.
