Gale Warnings Issued for Oregon, California, and Atlantic Waters Amid Dangerous Seas
MEDFORD, OREGON — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple Gale Warnings for the Pacific Coast from Washington to Northern California, warning of dangerous seas and powerful winds expected to continue through early Sunday.
According to the Ocean Prediction Center, gale-force winds ranging between 30 and 45 knots are churning offshore waters, producing waves up to 29 feet in height and creating life-threatening conditions for mariners.
Seas Reaching Nearly 30 Feet Along the Pacific Coast
The NWS Medford office reported seas between 23 and 28 feet along the Oregon coastline, with Hazardous Seas Warnings remaining in effect until 5 a.m. Sunday. Gale conditions are expected to persist until 5 p.m. Saturday, as strong west and southwest winds sweep through coastal waters.
“Conditions offshore are extremely dangerous,” the NWS said in its advisory. “Mariners should avoid open waters and secure their vessels immediately.”
Farther south, warnings extend from Point St. George to Point Arena, California, where winds are forecast to shift from west to northwest overnight. Forecasters say that additional storm fronts could bring repeated wind surges into early next week, prolonging dangerous conditions for coastal communities.
Atlantic Waters Also Under Gale Warning
Meanwhile, on the East Coast, gale warnings are also posted for the western Atlantic waters off Cape Fear, North Carolina, where easterly winds exceeding 40 knots are expected. Seas in the region could rise to 17 feet by Tuesday, creating treacherous conditions for commercial and recreational vessels.
Officials are urging all mariners along both coasts to remain in port, monitor real-time marine forecasts, and avoid unnecessary travel until weather systems subside.
Safety Precautions for Mariners
Maritime authorities recommend the following safety measures for boaters and coastal residents during gale conditions:
- Stay in port and avoid open water until advisories expire.
- Secure all loose equipment and moor vessels firmly.
- Check forecast updates from the National Weather Service or NOAA Marine Weather Center regularly.
- Avoid coastal piers or jetties, where large waves can sweep people into the sea.
Meteorologists caution that this weekend’s gale system is part of a larger weather pattern affecting both U.S. coasts, marking one of the strongest October marine events of the year.
Stay with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continued weather coverage and coastal safety updates.
