Gale warnings issued for nearly all U.S. coastline

Meteorologists have issued warnings for dangerous ocean conditions along nearly all of the U.S. coastline. The National Weather Service (NWS) announced these alerts on Thursday, affecting almost every state except for parts of central and southern California and southeastern Texas. The warnings include gale warnings, hazardous seas warnings, and small craft advisories. On the West Coast, Oregon and Washington are under gale warnings. Much of California's coastline is also seeing small craft advisories. A frontal system bringing strong winds is increasing wave heights, according to NWS meteorologist Noah Alviz. On the Gulf Coast, a small craft advisory extends from southern Texas to the southern tip of Florida. Rip current warnings are also in effect in Texas and Florida. The East Coast faces similar conditions, with a small craft advisory covering South Florida to northern Maine and a gale warning for the Atlantic waters from Georgia to Maine. The NWS has warned that conditions will be hazardous for small vessels, especially for inexperienced mariners. Beachgoers are urged to be cautious of strong rip currents. If caught in a rip current, swimmers should relax, float, and signal for help if needed. These alerts are expected to remain in effect through Thursday and into Friday morning.