Astoria, Oregon – Dense fog is blanketing offshore waters along the Oregon and southern Washington coasts Wednesday morning, sharply reducing visibility and creating hazardous conditions for mariners.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. PDT for the Columbia River Bar and waters extending from Cape Shoalwater, WA, to Florence, OR, including areas up to 60 nautical miles offshore. Visibility in some zones may fall below 1/4 mile, particularly where upwelling has been strongest over the past several days.
Navigation is expected to be challenging near Astoria, Newport, and Florence, with the worst conditions typically occurring 20 to 30 miles from shore. Mariners are urged to slow down, use radar and compasses, and ensure running lights and fog signals are active.
This dense marine fog could lead to missed fishing schedules, delayed ferry crossings, and increased risk of vessel collisions in high-traffic coastal corridors.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve late this morning. Additional marine advisories may be issued if visibility remains low into the afternoon.
