As winter storm approaches, dangerous marine conditions forecast along the coastline

PORT SAN LUIS, Calif. -- As this week's winter storm approaches, the National Weather Service has forecast dangerous marine conditions along the Southern California coastline, including the Central Coast.

In addition to extremely low temperatures, as possible snow at lower than usual elevations, the storm is expected to bring widespread gusty winds and hazardous ocean conditions, including gale force gusts and choppy seas across the area.

"We're expecting it to be cold," said Matthew Ashton, Port San Luis Chief Harbor Patrol Officer We're expecting wind with gusts up to 50 (mph) and we're expecting seas outside up to 19 feet, so at the beaches we are going to see some hazardous surf. We are going to put some signage up and we're going to try and communicate to the public to be careful if they go near the water and near the ocean. Most of all, communication has been our strategy for success at this point."

With the dangerous conditions in the forecast that are capable of capsizing vessels, the National Weather Service is warning mariners to remain in port and to secure their boaters ahead of the storm.

"Definitely not safe to be out on the water," said commercial fisherman Anthony Pinedo. "The swells, once they pick up, the wind and everything else, it's just a scenario of bad things could happen."

In addition,strong rip currents and high surf will also present extreme danger for beachgoers, so the public is being warned to away from the water throughout the duration of the storm.

"During the peak of the weather, we're trying to keep people away and off the water," said Ashton. "We do signage. We post a changeable message over at Old Port Beach and that's just a flashing construction sign that we can program messages. We also sent out emails to our morning patrons and our commercial fisherman to let them know. Commercial fisherman are typically on top of it of what the weather conditions are, and then we have a flagpole right next to the main office that we post weather advisories at."

In preparation of the storm, Pinedo said fisherman and boaters took advantage of dry weather on Tuesday to make sure they are ready for whatever Mother Nature dishes out over the next several days.

"Just a lot of prepping," said Pinedo. "Securing, making sure all of our gear is tied up, so nothing gets blown off, and we're making sure everything is ready for when we go fishing, like either baiting, or making sure everything is cleaned up."

For anyone who is planning to visit the shoreline during the storm, Ashton advises them to stay away, but those who do, he offers a warning.

"Always be aware of weather conditions," said Ashton. "Never turn your back on the ocean. These weather events are very fun to come and watch, but they can change in an instant, and you need to be very, very careful, especially right next to the water."

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