Seattle, WA – Offshore waters along the West Coast are facing hazardous marine conditions through Thursday as a powerful system drives gale-force winds and rapidly building seas from Northern California to Washington.
According to the National Weather Service’s Ocean Prediction Center, gale warnings remain in effect across multiple offshore zones, with wind gusts potentially reaching 30 to 40 knots and seas building between 18 and 21 feet at their peak. The most dangerous conditions are expected Wednesday into Thursday as the system moves north.
In the waters from Point St. George to Point Arena—between 60 and 250 nautical miles offshore—winds are forecast to shift from southerly to strong northwesterly gusts by Wednesday afternoon. Seas are expected to climb quickly, reaching 14 to 20 feet by Thursday. Mariners in these sectors should anticipate abrupt wind reversals and steep, hazardous wave conditions.
Farther north, offshore zones from Florence, Oregon to Cape Flattery, Washington are projected to see the strongest impacts. Forecasters report that winds Wednesday will climb to 30 to 40 knots, with seas building from 10 feet to as high as 21 feet Thursday. Conditions will remain elevated through the weekend as additional swells push into the region.
While winds ease slightly late Thursday into Friday, seas will stay in the 11- to 15-foot range in many areas, keeping small craft and commercial operations exposed to hazardous conditions. Additional rounds of gusty southwest flow are expected Sunday as a new frontal system approaches.
Mariners are urged to monitor updated NWS marine forecasts and avoid offshore travel during peak wind and wave periods.
