“Any persons on the ice should be aware of the potential hazardous conditions,” said Paul Angelillo, Coast Guard Sector Buffalo, Command Center.

The National Weather Service forecasts that an ice floe may be set adrift in the western basin of Lake Erie this weekend. The northern half of the western basin of Lake Erie is now ice-free with extensive ice coverage over the southern half of the lake. Winds are forecast to remain from a northerly direction which will help keep the ice locked to the southern shore through the next few days. However, winds are forecast to shift to a southwest direction Saturday night and increase in speed on Sunday.

Temperatures are expected to warm up into the upper 30s and lower 40s over the weekend. The combination of the warmer temperatures and shifting winds along with expected sunshine will cause hazardous conditions on the ice over the weekend.

A large ice floe could potentially break away from its anchor to the islands and shore of Ohio and drift toward Canada. For anyone venturing out on the ice this weekend, there is a danger of becoming trapped on the ice as the ice begins to break away.

The Coast Guard reminds all citizens that Great Lakes ice is dangerous and unpredictable, especially during seasonal temperature transitions.

To encourage personal safety and awareness, the Coast Guard recommends everyone to abide by the following:

I – Intelligence
C – Clothing
E – Equipment

• Intelligence – know the weather and ice conditions, know where you’re going, and know how to call for help.

• Clothing – have proper clothing to prevent hypothermia.

• Equipment – have proper equipment: marine radio, life jackets, screw drivers/ice picks, etc.

For more information on weather conditions on the Great Lakes, CLICK HERE.

The NWS forecasts wind speeds of 20-50 knots and 5-22 foot seas, heavy rain and snow as the weather system passes through the area.

Coast Guard sectors are monitoring the weather conditions in their areas and units will remain operational and response-ready.

The Coast Guard urges mariners to always wear life jackets while on the water and have a working radio onboard their vessel as cell phone coverage varies from region to region.

Stay Informed – the public should be aware of weather conditions and monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio and internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF channel 16.

Check the current and expected weather and water conditions before heading out, and be aware that weather conditions can quickly change.

File a float plan with friends, family members and their local marina before heading out. This should include the number of passengers aboard the vessel, destination and expected time of return.

Carry marine flares aboard the vessel to signal rescuers while in distress and emergency situations.

Keep a Global Positioning System or Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon so they may be easier to locate in the event of distress.

“If it’s necessary to get underway for any reason, boaters should be mindful of the approaching weather and the capabilities of their boats to handle it,” said Dennis Sens, the 5th Coast Guard District’s boating safety specialist. “Also, boaters with small craft should seek safe moorings, double up lines, put out extra fenders and secure items topside as needed to ensure their boats are protected.”

For more detailed information about the warning and for updated weather forecasts, visit www.weather.gov

A Tsunami advisory is in effect for San Diego County coastal areas as a result of a magnitude 8.8 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Chile, though at the moment there is only an advisory. This means means that a Tsunami is capable of producing strong currents or waves that can be dangerous to people in or very near the water is imminent or expected.

Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures causing severe damage, which may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival. According to the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, if a tsunami hits the West Coast, the first waves would reach La Jolla, Calif., near San Diego.

For more information about the Tsunami visit: NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

In addition to the Tsunami advisory, the NWS has issued a Special Weather Statement warning of severe marine weather, affecting Southern California through 2 a.m. Monday.

The San Diego coast is experiencing its fair share of the winter season as yet another storm moves across an area widely known for having some of the best weather in the nation.

A strong Pacific cold front will impact areas along the San Diego coast bringing wind, periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms, possible waterspouts, and high surf.

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 weather conditions in the San Diego area, please visit: National Weather Service advisories.

“Any persons on the ice should be aware of the potential hazardous conditions,” said Paul Angelillo, Coast Guard Sector Buffalo, Command Center.

The National Weather Service reports the gale force winds are expected to continue through Friday and will shift direction to the north-northwest.

According to the NWS, the potential for breaks are very high on Lake Erie and the Lake Ontario ice packs, for instance.

The Coast Guard reminds all citizens that Great Lakes ice is dangerous and unpredictable, even when high winds are not present.

To encourage personal safety and awareness, the Coast Guard recommends everyone to abide by the following:

I – Intelligence
C – Clothing
E – Equipment

Intelligence – know the weather and ice conditions, know where you’re going, and know how to call for help.

Clothing – have proper clothing to prevent hypothermia.

Equipment – have proper equipment: marine radio, life jackets, screw drivers/ice picks, etc.

For more information on weather conditions on the Great Lakes, CLICK HERE.

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for the northern California coastline beginning Friday evening until 10 a.m. Saturday morning. A strong northwesterly swell will produce surf of 15 to 18 feet.

The Coast Guard along with the Pillar Point Harbor Patrol and Coast Guard Auxiliary will have increased assets in the region during the surf competition. All shoreline spectators are reminded to keep a safe distance from the waterline as strong rip currents will be present. Spectators should also keep a safe distance from rugged cliffs where they may find themselves unable to return to safe ground.

Spectators planning to view the event from the water should remain aware of changing surf conditions and ensure their vessel is equipped with the proper safety equipment. All vessels in the area should remain a safe distance from the event, adhere to all navigation rules of the road and practice good seamanship.

All boaters are reminded there should be a personal flotation device aboard their vessel for each person, sized accordingly and a working marine VHF radio to contact the Coast Guard on channel 16, should an emergency arise. The Coast Guard reminds all mariners that channel 16 is an emergency frequency and should be used for such. Misuse of channel 16 or broadcasting false distress calls can result in prison time, severe fines and you could be liable for any costs incurred as a result of search efforts.

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.

Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan continue to monitor the weather due to these large surf conditions possibly affecting port safety in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This heavy surf has the potential of impacting maritime commerce, recreational boaters, and people conducting water related activities.

Vessels, facility operators, recreational boaters, and people conducting any water related activities, such as, swimming, surfing or diving among others, should monitor this situation by paying close attention to National Weather Service advisories and taking appropriate action to minimize risks associated with these predicted conditions.

Beginning today and spanning through Saturday, the California coast will experience significant rainfall accompanied with high winds and surf. Tuesday through Wednesday, a west to northwest swell will develop with seas reaching 25-feet. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch for Monday. Southeast winds are expected to pickup Monday, increasing to 20 to 45 miles per hour.

The Coast Guard encourages all boaters to check the status of mooring and anchor lines, and replace worn lines if necessary. Vessel owners should also double-up existing mooring lines. During strong winds and heavy seas, vessels can come loose from the pier or anchor due to worn lines.

Vessels adrift can become hazardous to nearby vessels as they are tossed about and can become hazards to navigation. These vessels can also pose environmental risk as any fluids or chemicals onboard can spill or leak should the vessel break apart.

The Coast Guard strongly recommends that people avoid going near beaches or other low-lying coastal areas, especially jetties and rocky areas, over the next several days. 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 the cold-water temperatures are factored in.

The Coast Guard also strongly recommends boaters avoid taking to the water over the next few days, until the seas subside.

If it necessary to get underway, mariners are urged to check that all of their safety equipment is 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.

All boaters should also ensure that they have a working marine VHF radio on board to contact the Coast Guard on channel 16 should an emergency arise. The Coast Guard reminds all mariners that channel 16 is an emergency frequency, and should be used for such. Misuse of channel 16 or broadcasting false distress calls can result in prison time, severe fines, and you could be liable for any costs incurred as a result of search efforts.

The Coast Guard also strongly recommends that all boaters file a float plan with a friend or family member on land, with an approximate time of return and location to which you will be heading. It is also recommended that you regularly check in with those who are aware of your plan, especially if your plan should change.

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.

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.

The advisories remain in effect until 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, as two large storms are expected to impact the San Diego coastline. The storms are expected to produce surf of 6-8 feet with sets to 11 feet.

The Coast Guard strongly recommends that people avoid going near beaches or other low-lying coastal areas, especially jetties and rocky areas, through the weekend. 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 the cold-water temperatures are factored in.

Given the cold temperatures associated with this system, and the cold Pacific waters, hypothermia is a major concern, as always.

Though the large waves can be an extreme sight to some, the Coast Guard, along with its partner state and local agencies, urge people to not go near these areas if at all possible. The risk to life is too great during conditions such as these.

The Coast Guard also strongly recommends boaters avoid taking to the water over the next few days, until the seas subside.

If it is necessary to get underway, mariners are urged to check that all of their safety equipment is 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.

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.

According to the National Weather Service, an arctic air mass will provide hard freeze conditions Thursday through Saturday, with a possible gale warning being issued Thursday through Sunday. Wind chill temperatures will vary between 10 and 20 degrees through Sunday morning.

"With air and water temperatures dropping, hypothermia is much more of a danger, especially around the water," said Lt. Ronald Kooper, watch supervisor at the Eighth District Command Center. "And as always, we strongly encourage that along with a proper fitting life jacket and filing a float plan with a friend or family member, that boaters take all the necessary precautions to remain safe."

The safety zone covers all navigable waters within the port of San Juan and out three nautical miles to the pilot boarding area at approximate position 18° 31′12”N 066° 07′48”W. The safety zone will be enforced for the duration of the significant surf conditions from 5p.m. Monday to 6p.m. Wednesday.

No vessels may enter or depart the port of San Juan without the permission of the Captain of the Port. Out of the eight vessels delayed Tuesday, one departed to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and two are still awaiting entry approval.

“Swimmers and recreational boaters should avoid the ocean until this severe weather passes,” said Capt. Joanna Nunan, Acting Sector San Juan commander and Captain of the Port. “Along with the pilots, we’re keeping a close eye on the large breakers and wind at the entrance to San Juan Harbour to ensure the people and vessels coming in and out of the port remain safe.”

The National Weather Service is forecasting extremely dangerous surf conditions with very large swells in excess of 20-feet along the north coast of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Vessel and facility operators should monitor this situation and take appropriate action to minimize the risks associated with these predicted conditions.