SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard is urging mariners to exercise extreme caution through the next couple of days when venturing on or near the water due to a special weather statement the National Weather Service issued Monday morning, Dec. 20.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected for San Diego County coastal areas beginning the afternoon of Monday Dec. 20 and continue until Wednesday Dec. 22.
The hazardous weather outlook issued this morning is in effect for shoreline areas and coastal waters from Laguna Niguel, Calif., south to the border of Mexico. These areas can expect heavy rain with the winds gusting up to 30 miles per hour on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. A flash flood watch has also been issued for a majority of the Southern California region and will be in effect from noon Monday to the afternoon of Wednesday.
Mariners are urged to check that all of their safety equipment is on board and in good condition before going underway. This includes a properly fitted personal flotation device for everyone aboard, navigation lights, distress signals and a fire extinguisher. Safety equipment requirements vary by size and type of vessel, for more information visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/.
In addition to required distress signals, boaters are strongly encouraged to have a VHF marine radio on board to monitor weather conditions, communicate with other mariners and call for help in the event of an emergency.
For the National Weather Service advisories, click here.
