California Severe Gale Warning, 14ft Waves, All Boats Ordered to Safe Harbor
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A severe gale warning and hazardous seas declaration affected waters off Northern California on Thursday, with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Eureka urging all boats to seek safe harbor as waves forecast to reach 14 feet and wind gusts to top 40 knots.
The warnings applied to mariners from Cape Mendocino to Point Arena, covering a stretch 10 to 60 nautical miles offshore. These warnings meant boaters along the coast faced immediate risk of capsizing or damage due to extreme sea and wind conditions.
Interactive maps from Windy.com showed the affected areas.
The Gale Warning, issued at 2:55 a.m. PDT, remained in effect until 9:00 a.m., with a Hazardous Seas Warning taking over until 10:00 p.m. on June 5.
There was a separate storm warning for mariners and coastal communities in Oregon from Florence to Cape Blanco, as officials enforced advisories across the region.
Why It Matters
This round of urgent warnings came as wave heights and winds intensified across the Pacific coast, creating dangerous surf, powerful rip currents, and the potential for maritime accidents. As California moves into its transitional spring-to-summer period, the scope and strength of these NWS alerts raised serious safety concerns for boaters, swimmers, surfers, and beach visitors. Recurring fatalities linked to rip currents and sneaker waves have amplified calls for public caution and compliance with official instructions.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data showed more than two dozen deaths from rip currents and sneaker waves already in 2025, including four in California, underscoring the life-threatening nature of these hazards. Immediate public awareness and preventive action can mitigate further tragedies.
What To Know
NWS Issues Major Marine Advisories
The hazardous conditions off the coast from Cape Mendocino to Point Arena saw north winds of 25 to 35 knots, with gusts up to 40 knots (about 46 miles per hour), and seas building from 12 to 14 feet, according to the NWS Eureka office. The warned impacts included capsizing and watercraft damage along with sharply reduced visibility.
Authorities specified that "mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions."
Statewide, Warnings Create Widespread Risk
Dangerous conditions have extended along California's entire coast throughout early June. From the Oregon border to San Diego, NWS issued a combination of gale warnings, hazardous seas, and beach hazards statements.
The situation was not limited to offshore waters. Beach hazard statements remained in effect for the greater Los Angeles, Ventura County, Malibu, and Orange County coastlines due to long-period south swells generating surf to 6 feet and hazardous rip currents. These conditions were forecast to persist through the week, endangering swimmers and surfers alike.
Precedent of Recent Fatalities
NOAA's tracking showed 26 U.S. fatalities related to rip current and sneaker wave hazards in 2025, including four California deaths: a 39-year-old man and an 8-year-old boy at Cowell Ranch State Beach (January 19), a 43-year-old man at Gerstle Cove (March 3), and a man in his 70s at Rodeo Beach (March 25).
Official Guidance for Mariners and Public
Authorities repeatedly stressed compliance with safety advisories. Mariners were asked to secure vessels, seek safe harbor, or remain docked while hazardous conditions continued.
What Happens Next
High winds and elevated wave heights are expected to persist across the California coast through at least late June 5, with gradual easing forecast by June 6 or later, as officials continue to monitor weather developments and urge strict compliance with all marine advisories.
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