Seattle, WA – Mariners navigating the Pacific Northwest coast from Cape Flattery, WA to Florence, OR are facing dangerous conditions as dense fog continues to blanket coastal waters through midday Friday. Visibility could fall to one nautical mile or less, posing a significant challenge for commercial and recreational vessels.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Seattle and Portland, the Dense Fog Advisory covers the entire stretch of coastal waters from Cape Flattery south to Florence, including the Columbia River Bar and popular fishing zones. The advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. PDT for Washington waters and until noon PDT for northern Oregon. Mariners in these regions—especially around James Island, Point Grenville, Cape Shoalwater, Cape Falcon, and Cape Foulweather—are urged to delay non-essential travel and prepare for near-zero visibility overnight and into Friday morning.
Navigation is especially hazardous near shipping channels and harbor entrances. The Coast Guard and local harbor authorities advise all vessels to proceed with extreme caution, use proper fog signals, and keep running lights on at all times. Boaters should rely on radar, compass, and GPS, and avoid unnecessary crossings until conditions improve.
Dense fog events like this are typical for late summer along the Washington and Oregon coasts but still present dangers, especially with increased weekend boating traffic. Mariners should also be aware of sudden clearing, which can create confusion for small craft.
Advisories are expected to lift by early afternoon Friday as marine winds increase and visibility improves. However, more marine weather alerts could be issued if fog persists.
