Extreme West Coast Weather
If you’re from the East Coast, you might find that for a state with so much sunshine, Californians sure do complain about the weather a lot. In Southern California, a rainy day often makes the news (and a newscaster is always [inexplicably] sent into the drizzle for a report).
But the weather hitting the Golden State today is no joke, according to the US Coast Guard. “Mariners are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves and their vessels.” In the Bay Area, heavy, gusty winds and big surf are forecast through Friday, with waves in the 12- to 25-ft range. SoCal will see similar conditions. The Coast Guard recommends that mariners throughout the state go through the standard motions in securing their vessels during a winter storm. They also recommend extreme caution at the beach, as “sneaker waves” are prevalent, and a legitimate danger, Â claiming a few lives every year.
“Extreme” winter West Coast weather always brings with it extreme feats and extreme fun. The ski season in Lake Tahoe looks to be off to a good start.
Yesterday in Maui, the Big Wave Tour’s Jaws Challenge saw waves in the ridiculously huge range. Men and women from all over the world displayed harrowing acts of bravery (and insanity) in riding these monsters.
Please be careful out there these next few days, West Coast. And, as we said on Monday, the weekend is looking pretty good for sailing.
