Nearly entire US coastline under weather warning

National Weather Service (NWS) offices across the nation have issued several weather alerts that encompass nearly the entire U.S. coastline.

The tumultuous conditions on the East Coast are not related to Hurricane Melissa, NWS meteorologist Alec Butner told Newsweek, but are caused by a strong low-pressure system in the area.

Why It Matters

Several different storm systems are prompting NWS meteorologists to issue the alerts. A strong storm in the Northeast is creating hazardous conditions along the coast into the weekend, whereas northwesterly winds are creating hazardous ocean conditions along the West Coast.

The alerts aim to educate people about weather threats in the area and provide suggested actions, such as avoiding entering the ocean during the alert time.

What To Know

Alerts included small craft advisories, high surf advisories, coastal flood warnings, gale warnings and rip current statements, among others.

On the West Coast, the most widespread alerts are small craft advisories.

“Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions,” NWS San Francisco said in one such advisory.

Beachgoers also are warned to exercise caution around the ocean, particularly when it comes to high waves and rip currents.

“There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea,” NWS Los Angeles said in a high surf advisory. “Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.”

Meanwhile, coastal flooding is creating hazards along the East Coast.

“A strong storm system is expected to bring strong winds, locally heavy rainfall, widespread minor coastal flooding, and potential for an isolated severe storm,” NWS Mount Holly posted on X. “Rain & wind focused on Thursday, lull Thursday night, then strong winds again on Friday.”

In the Gulf, a low water advisory was issued by the NWS office in Houston. Small craft advisories spanned the coast from Louisiana to Florida.

What People Are Saying

NWS Los Angeles in a high surf advisory: “Remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.”

NWS Houston in a low water advisory: “Winds and bay waters are gradually improving from previous gale conditions, but will remain hazardous to small craft through much of the morning.”

NWS Mount Holly in a coastal flood warning: “A Coastal Flood Warning means that moderate or major tidal flooding is occurring or imminent. Be prepared for rising water levels and take appropriate action to protect life and property. Follow the recommendations of local emergency management officials.”

What Happens Next

The alerts expire at different times, with many of the flood-related warnings in the Northeast expiring this evening. The ocean-related warnings along the West Coast stretch into the weekend. People in the impacted areas should follow the guidance of local weather officials.