BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

As gusty winds blew ships around Newport Harbor, an afternoon low tide

left several boats aground Wednesday, according to the Orange County

Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol.

However, there was no significant damage and no injuries, Sgt. Ron

Peoples said.

Those stuck on the stranded boats used dinghies to get ashore, Peoples

said.

The Harbor Patrol instituted a gale-force advisory from 5:30 to 9 a.m.

Wednesday, during which the harbor saw winds of up to 54 mph. It was

downgraded to a small-craft advisory for most of the day.

County Harbor Patrol officers posted the red advisory flags at their

headquarters.