Today on Coastal Currents, Troy Nicolini from the National Weather Service explains explains NWS' new Marine Forecast presentation.

From Woodley Island Weather Central:

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Local Weather Office to Provide Better Wave Information in Marine Forecast

 The National Weather Service in Eureka will begin using an enhanced method to describe waves in the coastal waters forecast beginning on Wednesday, September 19 at 900 AM.

Sea state will be described by providing a total wave height along with additional detailed wave information when it is useful for the mariner. The amount of detailed wave information provided will depend on conditions. For example, when there is only a single wave in the forecast, then that wave’s direction, height and period will be given.

For example:

SEAS NW 6 TO 8 FT AT 10 SECONDS

 When there are two distinct waves, then the total wave height will still be given, but the two waves that make up that sea state will also be described. For example:

 SEAS 8 TO 10 FT...INCLUDING NW 7 FT AT 8 SECONDS AND SW 5 FT AT 14 SECONDS

This enhanced terminology will allow the marine forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Eureka to provide a more accurate forecast that actually has more of the information mariners need while reducing the overall length of the forecast. 

 For more information and to provide feedback go towww.weather.gov/eureka or call Troy Nicolini at 707 496-5959