The Harbor Column:

My predictions are that the passing storms will leave the ocean uninviting for cruising this weekend, with up to an 8-foot swell today that should drop a little to a 5-foot swell Sunday.

The chance of showers with shifting winds will continue into next week; however, harbor cruising is always an option, as the sun is expected to shine with 5- to 12-knot winds, but keep a sharp eye out for floating debris.

Watch out for the debris or what I call “stuff” that is being washed down into Newport Harbor from the recent rains.

Unfortunately, what the debris inventory backs up in the storm drains into the channels that feed the harbor during the dry months.

I have noticed the storm drain screens being installed by the inland cities to help prevent larger items from entering the drains. It’s a proactive move that I support, but you still need to be aware of what ends up in the gutters and on the side of roadways — it will be washed downstream into the bay.

Boaters are at risk with this floating debris, which can damage propellers, impede boat’s water in-takes, and worst-case knock a hole in the boat’s hull. This is not just inside the harbor; it’s present for a couple of miles out to sea. If you are going cruise along the coast, then head out to sea, but watch for logs and telephone poles. I have seen refrigerators floating in the ocean after storms.

Additionally, the storm systems have created waterspouts, so keep your other eye on the cloud formations for a funnel cloud formation. For your weather lesson, waterspouts are tornadoes over water. Waterspouts are fast-rotating air columns that form during unstable conditions such as when cold fronts move through the area. A waterspout can be dangerous to boats and piers — and then to mobile home parks when a waterspout moves onto land to become a tornado.

Tip of the week is about the big event tonight at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort: the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Awards Dinner and Auction. This gala raises funds for next year’s Christmas Boat Parade, and I hope to see you there.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to www.boathousetv.com .