Washington, D.C. – The National Weather Service’s Ocean Prediction Center has issued multiple Gale Warnings for both the Pacific Northwest and the Western Atlantic, as strong storm systems bring powerful winds and large seas to U.S. offshore waters through early next week.
In the Pacific, from Cape Flattery to Cape Shoalwater, southeast winds will strengthen to 25–35 knots Saturday, with seas building to 14–17 feet before shifting northwest by Sunday night. Mariners should expect scattered showers and rough offshore conditions through Monday.
In the Atlantic, gale warnings extend from Hatteras Canyon northward past Georges Bank, with winds reaching 40–45 knots and seas rising to as high as 21 feet by Tuesday. Conditions will remain volatile through midweek as systems shift between southwest and northwest flow.
The Ocean Prediction Center advises that individual waves may exceed twice the significant height, making conditions dangerous for small craft and offshore operations. Periodic thunderstorms could also produce locally higher winds and seas.
Mariners are strongly urged to monitor updated forecasts and avoid offshore travel during peak gale periods Saturday through Tuesday.
