EUREKA, Calif. – A powerful Pacific system is driving gale-force winds and dangerous seas from northern California to Washington, creating very hazardous marine conditions today and into tonight on some waters. The most treacherous stretch early today extends from Pt. St. George to Cape Mendocino, where seas of 16–19 feet are combining with increasing south winds.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, a Hazardous Seas Warning holds this morning, transitioning to a Gale Warning 10 a.m.–4 p.m. PST with south winds 20–30 kt, gusts to 40 kt, and 16–18 ft seas. Farther north, the NWS Seattle coastal zones remain under a Gale Warning through 4 p.m., with south winds 25–35 kt (gusts 40 kt) and 15–20 ft seas from Cape Flattery to Cape Shoalwater, while the Strait of Juan de Fuca cycles from strong southeast to gale-force west winds this afternoon and tonight. The West Entrance holds Small Craft this morning, then Gales 1 p.m.–3 a.m. Fri with 9–14 ft seas.
Mariners should remain in port or seek safe harbor, secure loose gear, and delay bar crossings. If underway, wear flotation, use harnesses, keep engines ready, and alter course for shorter fetch. Expect sudden squalls, steep breaking seas, and reduced visibility near fronts. Small craft and open skiffs are at high capsize risk in these conditions.
Key routes impacted include approaches to Humboldt Bay, Rogue River, Columbia River Bar, and Strait of Juan de Fuca entrances. Check local bar reports and USCG notices. Conditions begin easing late today south of Oregon; gale re-intensification persists this afternoon and tonight for the Strait before winds ease early Friday.
