Storm Warning Issued for Southern Oregon and Northern California Coastal Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Medford, Oregon, has issued a Storm Warning for offshore coastal waters. This high-level alert follows a series of escalating marine hazards, including Small Craft Advisories and Gale Warnings, as a powerful weather system moves through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following maritime zones:

• Waters from Florence to Cape Blanco, Oregon, from 10 to 60 nautical miles offshore.
• Waters from Cape Blanco, Oregon, to Point Saint George, California, from 10 to 60 nautical miles offshore.

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port. Those already at sea should alter course to avoid the most hazardous conditions and immediately secure their vessels for very strong winds and extremely steep, dangerous seas. Visibility will be significantly reduced during the peak of the storm, creating conditions that could capsize or damage vessels.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly through the weekend. During the Storm Warning period, south winds are forecast at 35 to 45 knots with gusts reaching up to 60 knots. Wind-driven seas will become very steep and dangerous, ranging from 22 to 27 feet.

Prior to the storm force winds, Gale conditions will include south winds of 30 to 40 knots and gusts up to 50 knots, with seas between 12 and 17 feet. Following the peak of the storm, winds will remain at gale force with gusts up to 50 knots and seas staying hazardous at 17 to 20 feet.

Timeline

• Small Craft Advisory: In effect until 4:00 AM PST Friday.
• Gale Warning: In effect from 10:00 PM Friday to 10:00 AM PST Saturday.
• Storm Warning: In effect from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM PST Saturday.
• Gale Warning (Extended): In effect from 10:00 PM Saturday to 4:00 PM PST Sunday.