Washington, DC – The National Weather Service (NWS) Ocean Prediction Center has issued a Gale Warning for offshore waters stretching from Oregon to Central California, where dangerous marine conditions are forecast to develop Wednesday night, November 12, and continue into Thursday, November 13. Mariners are being urged to avoid open waters as powerful winds and massive waves are expected to make navigation extremely hazardous.
Gale Warnings Issued for the Pacific Offshore Region
The NWS Ocean Prediction Center announced that southerly winds will strengthen to between 35 and 45 knots across offshore zones extending from Florence, Oregon, to Pigeon Point, California, late Wednesday night. The weather system will bring rapidly building seas, with wave heights forecast to reach 15 to 22 feet, peaking early Thursday morning.
Forecasters say the strongest conditions will occur Wednesday night through early Thursday, accompanied by heavy rain, poor visibility, and turbulent seas. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution, as individual rogue waves could reach up to twice the reported height, posing a severe threat to small or unsecured vessels.
Investigation and Weather Analysis
According to the National Weather Service forecast discussion, the powerful low-pressure system moving across the northeastern Pacific will drive strong southerly winds and turbulent swells along the Oregon–California marine corridor.
Wave modeling data suggests that the highest seas — near 20 feet — will occur west of Cape Mendocino and Point Arena, two regions known for strong coastal wind convergence. The winds and waves will gradually weaken as the system moves east into Northern California by late Thursday.
“Mariners should remain in port or seek safe harbor until conditions improve,” NWS officials warned. “These winds will create extremely rough seas and hazardous conditions for even experienced crews.”
Affected Areas and Expected Marine Conditions
The Gale Warning currently covers offshore waters between 60 and 250 nautical miles from shore, including critical shipping routes and fishing zones. The NWS warns that rapidly deteriorating conditions may make it difficult for vessels already at sea to return safely.
The forecast details include:
- Peak Winds: 35–45 knots Wednesday night
- Maximum Wave Heights: 18–22 feet near Cape Mendocino and Point Arena
- Hazard Duration: Late Wednesday through early Thursday
- Residual Seas: 9–14 feet through Friday and into the weekend
Smaller craft, recreational boats, and offshore platforms are particularly at risk during this period, with potential for capsizing, structural damage, or loss of deck equipment due to heavy surf.
Statements and Warnings from Officials
The Ocean Prediction Center and local Coast Guard stations have both issued reminders urging mariners to secure all loose gear, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updated marine forecasts through the NOAA Weather Radio or marine hazard bulletins.
“Conditions like these can change quickly and become life-threatening,” said an NWS spokesperson. “Even professional mariners should take these warnings seriously. The safest choice is to delay any planned offshore activity.”
Coastal communities in northern and central California may also experience strong gusts, rough surf, and minor coastal flooding, particularly in exposed harbors and beach areas.
Seasonal Pacific Storm Activity
Early November typically marks the onset of winter storm season in the eastern Pacific, when active low-pressure systems develop near the Gulf of Alaska and track southeast toward the U.S. West Coast.
These systems often generate dangerous marine conditions, producing gale-force winds, steep seas, and strong swells that can extend hundreds of miles offshore. While such events are not uncommon, meteorologists note that this particular storm is notable for its broad coverage area and intensity.
Experts recommend that both commercial shipping operations and coastal mariners monitor forecasts closely as similar systems may impact the region again later this month.
Ongoing Developments and Forecast Outlook
According to the NWS, conditions are expected to gradually improve late Thursday into Friday, but lingering seas of 9 to 14 feet will persist through the weekend. Mariners are advised to wait until at least Saturday before resuming regular offshore operations.
The next weather update from the Ocean Prediction Center is scheduled for Wednesday evening, providing refined projections for wave heights and wind speeds as the storm system moves closer to shore.
Conclusion
With 20-foot waves and 45-knot winds forecast across the Pacific offshore waters, authorities are urging mariners to stay alert and avoid the region until the weather stabilizes. The NWS emphasizes that even a single rogue wave can be deadly, reminding crews that no voyage is worth the risk amid such extreme conditions.
What are your thoughts on this developing weather alert? Share your comments and safety experiences below.
