Portland, Ore. – Thick marine fog is blanketing the Oregon coast tonight, cutting visibility to less than one nautical mile and creating dangerous navigation conditions for mariners.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. Friday for inner coastal waters stretching from Cape Shoalwater, Washington, south to Florence, Oregon, as well as the Columbia River Bar.
The heavy fog is expected to impact boating along key channels, with the Columbia River Bar particularly hazardous for vessels entering or leaving the Pacific. Mariners are urged to use radar, sound fog signals, and keep running lights on. Those without proper navigation equipment should avoid travel until conditions improve.
The advisory warns that sudden drops in visibility will make it difficult to spot other vessels or navigational markers, raising the risk of collisions in busy coastal waters. Commercial fishing boats and recreational craft operating near Cape Falcon and Cape Foulweather are among the most affected.
Fog is expected to lift gradually after sunrise Friday, but additional marine advisories may be issued if conditions persist into the weekend.
