Medford, OR – The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a series of marine warnings and advisories for Oregon’s coastal waters as a strong Pacific system moves inland midweek. Mariners can expect hazardous conditions beginning Wednesday afternoon and lasting through early Saturday.
According to the NWS, a Gale Warning remains in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Thursday, with southeast winds reaching 25 to 35 knots and gusts up to 50 knots. Seas are forecast to build between 11 and 16 feet. A Gale Watch follows late Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon, with continued rough seas and strong southerly winds.
By Thursday evening, a Small Craft Advisory will take effect and remain through early Saturday, as conditions slowly improve but remain hazardous for smaller vessels.
Forecasters caution that steep waves and reduced visibility could make marine travel extremely dangerous. Mariners are strongly advised to stay in port, secure equipment, and monitor updates from the National Weather Service Medford.
The warnings cover coastal waters from Florence, Oregon, to Point St. George, California, extending up to 60 nautical miles offshore.
