Medford, Oregon – Boaters off the southern Oregon coast should brace for hazardous marine conditions through the holiday weekend, with steep wind-driven seas and strong gusts expected from Saturday morning through Monday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Small Craft Advisory will take effect at 8 a.m. Saturday and remain in place until 5 p.m. Monday, warning of north winds 20 to 30 knots with gusts reaching 35 knots and seas building to 6 to 9 feet. A Hazardous Seas Watch is also in effect from Sunday afternoon through Monday, with forecasts calling for very steep waves up to 11 feet, particularly beyond 10 nautical miles south of Gold Beach.
Conditions are expected to worsen quickly south of Cape Blanco, especially between 5 to 30 nautical miles from shore Saturday morning. The strongest impacts will likely affect vessels operating offshore from Brookings, Port Orford, and surrounding coastal areas.
The steep seas could capsize smaller boats or cause structural damage, and bar crossings may become treacherous. Mariners are urged to avoid unnecessary trips, check for the latest updates, and ensure all safety equipment is functional.
More advisories may follow if seas build higher than expected. Conditions are expected to improve gradually after Monday evening.
