Alert archive / Oregon / Gale Warnings in 2018

Gale Warning 2, NWS Medford, OR

January 10, 2018

NWS Medford, OR issued this gale warning at Jan 10, 2018, 2:20 AM PST. It took effect at Jan 11, 2018, 4:00 AM PST. It was in force for 11 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jan 10, 2018, 2:20 AM PST (10:20 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 11, 2018, 4:00 AM PST
Expired
Jan 11, 2018, 2:45 PM PST
In force
11 hr
Issued by
NWS Medford, OR

The text

As transmitted.

471 
WHUS76 KMFR 101020
MWWMFR

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
220 AM PST Wed Jan 10 2018


PZZ350-356-376-102330-
/O.EXT.KMFR.SC.Y.0005.180111T0600Z-180111T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMFR.GL.W.0002.180111T1200Z-180112T0000Z/
/O.UPG.KMFR.SE.A.0001.180112T0000Z-180112T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMFR.SE.W.0002.180111T1200Z-180112T1800Z/
Coastal waters from Florence to Cape Blanco OR out 10 nm-
Coastal waters from Cape Blanco OR to Pt. St. George CA out 10 nm-
Waters from Cape Blanco OR to Pt. St. George CA from 10 to 60 nm-
220 AM PST Wed Jan 10 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM TO 4 AM THURSDAY...
...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 4 PM PST THURSDAY...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM THURSDAY TO 10 AM
PST FRIDAY...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Gale
Warning...which is in effect from 4 AM to 4 PM PST Thursday. A
Hazardous Seas Warning has also been issued. This Hazardous Seas
Warning is in effect from 4 AM Thursday to 10 AM PST Friday. The
Hazardous Seas Watch is no longer in effect. 

* Winds...South winds will increase to 20 to 30 kt this evening,
  increasing to south gales 30 to 35 kt with gusts to 45 kt
  Thursday morning. Winds will become southwest 20 to 25 kt by
  late Thursday afternoon. 

* Seas...Chaotic combined seas will build to 14 to 19 feet
  Thursday. Seas will become dominated by high very long period
  west swell Thursday night, building to 17 to 19 feet at 16
  seconds. Seas will subside a bit Friday, but will still be high
  and steep. 

* Areas affected...All areas will be affected by steep seas 
  hazardous to small craft through Tuesday evening. The 
  strongest winds and heaviest seas on Wednesday and Thursday 
  will occur around and north of Cape Blanco. The heavy swell on 
  Thursday night will affect all areas. 

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/hazard 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Gale Warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or
occurring. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires
experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly
recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe
harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.

A Hazardous Seas Warning means very steep and hazardous sea
conditions are imminent or occurring. Recreational boaters should
remain in port, or take shelter until waves subside.  Commercial
vessels should prepare for rough seas and consider remaining in
port or taking shelter in port until hazardous seas subside.

A Small Craft Advisory means that winds and seas will create a
potential hazard to smaller vessels and inexperienced mariners.

&&

$$

PZZ370-102330-
/O.EXT.KMFR.SC.Y.0005.180111T0600Z-180111T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMFR.GL.W.0002.180111T1200Z-180112T0000Z/
/O.UPG.KMFR.SE.A.0001.180112T0000Z-180112T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMFR.SE.W.0002.180112T0000Z-180112T1800Z/
Waters from Florence to Cape Blanco OR from 10 to 60 nm-
220 AM PST Wed Jan 10 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM TO 4 AM THURSDAY...
...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 4 PM PST THURSDAY...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THURSDAY TO 10 AM
PST FRIDAY...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Gale
Warning...which is in effect from 4 AM to 4 PM PST Thursday. A
Hazardous Seas Warning has also been issued. This Hazardous Seas
Warning is in effect from 4 PM Thursday to 10 AM PST Friday. The
Hazardous Seas Watch is no longer in effect. 

* Winds...South winds will increase to 20 to 30 kt this evening,
  increasing to south gales 30 to 35 kt with gusts to 45 kt
  Thursday morning. Winds will become southwest 20 to 25 kt by
  late Thursday afternoon. 

* Seas...Chaotic combined seas will build to 14 to 19 feet
  Thursday. Seas will become dominated by high very long period
  west swell Thursday night, building to 17 to 19 feet at 16
  seconds. Seas will subside a bit Friday, but will still be high
  and steep. 

* Areas affected...All areas will be affected by steep seas
  hazardous to small craft through Tuesday evening. The strongest
  winds and heaviest seas on Wednesday and Thursday will occur
  around and north of Cape Blanco. The heavy swell on Thursday
  night will affect all areas. 

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/hazard 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Gale Warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or
occurring. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires
experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly
recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe
harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.

A Hazardous Seas Warning means very steep and hazardous sea
conditions are imminent or occurring. Recreational boaters should
remain in port, or take shelter until waves subside.  Commercial
vessels should prepare for rough seas and consider remaining in
port or taking shelter in port until hazardous seas subside.

A Small Craft Advisory means that winds and seas will create a
potential hazard to smaller vessels and inexperienced mariners.

&&

$$


http://www.weather.gov/medford
4 follow-up statements
380 
WHUS76 KMFR 102230
MWWMFR

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
230 PM PST Wed Jan 10 2018

PZZ350-356-376-111130-
/O.CON.KMFR.SC.Y.0005.180111T0600Z-180111T1200Z/
/O.EXT.KMFR.SE.W.0002.180111T1200Z-180112T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.GL.W.0002.180111T1200Z-180112T0000Z/
Coastal waters from Florence to Cape Blanco OR out 10 nm-
Coastal waters from Cape Blanco OR to Pt. St. George CA out 10 nm-
Waters from Cape Blanco OR to Pt. St. George CA from 10 to 60 nm-
230 PM PST Wed Jan 10 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM TO 4 AM 
   THURSDAY...
...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 4 PM PST 
   THURSDAY...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM THURSDAY TO
   4 AM PST FRIDAY...

* Winds...South winds will increase to 20 to 30 kt tonight, then 
  increase to south 25 to 35 kt with gusts to 45 kt Thursday 
  morning. Winds will become southwest 20 to 25 kt by late 
  Thursday afternoon, then diminish Thursday night.

* Seas...Chaotic combined seas will build to 16 to 20 feet 
  Thursday. Seas will become dominated by high long period 
  west swell Thursday night, 16 to 19 feet at 16 seconds. Seas 
  will subside Friday, but will still be high and steep. 

* Areas affected...For tonight...all areas will be affected by 
  steep seas hazardous to small craft and all areas will experience
  small craft advisory winds except for right around Brookings.
  The strongest winds and heaviest seas on Wednesday will occur 
  around and north of Cape Blanco. The heavy swell Thursday into 
  Thursday night will affect all areas...but especially from 
  around Cape Blanco north. 

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/hazard 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Gale Warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or
occurring. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires
experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly
recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe
harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.

A Hazardous Seas Warning means very steep and hazardous sea
conditions are imminent or occurring. Recreational boaters should
remain in port, or take shelter until waves subside.  Commercial
vessels should prepare for rough seas and consider remaining in
port or taking shelter in port until hazardous seas subside.

A Small Craft Advisory means that winds and seas will create a
potential hazard to smaller vessels and inexperienced mariners.

&&

$$

PZZ370-111130-
/O.CON.KMFR.SC.Y.0005.180111T0600Z-180111T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.GL.W.0002.180111T1200Z-180112T0000Z/
/O.EXT.KMFR.SE.W.0002.180112T0000Z-180112T1200Z/
Waters from Florence to Cape Blanco OR from 10 to 60 nm-
230 PM PST Wed Jan 10 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM TO 4 AM 
   THURSDAY...
...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 4 PM PST
   THURSDAY...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THURSDAY TO
   4 AM PST FRIDAY...

* Winds...South winds will increase to 20 to 30 kt tonight, then 
  increase to south gales 30 to 35 kt with gusts to 45 kt 
  Thursday morning. Winds will become southwest 20 to 25 kt by 
  late Thursday afternoon, then diminish Thursday night. 

* Seas...Chaotic combined seas will build to 18 to 21 feet 
  Thursday. Seas will become dominated by high long period 
  west swell Thursday night, 18 to 20 feet at 16 seconds. Seas 
  will subside Friday, but will still be high and steep. 

* Areas affected...All areas will be affected by the advisory
  and both warnings. 

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/hazard 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Gale Warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or
occurring. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires
experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly
recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe
harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.

A Hazardous Seas Warning means very steep and hazardous sea
conditions are imminent or occurring. Recreational boaters should
remain in port, or take shelter until waves subside.  Commercial
vessels should prepare for rough seas and consider remaining in
port or taking shelter in port until hazardous seas subside.

A Small Craft Advisory means that winds and seas will create a
potential hazard to smaller vessels and inexperienced mariners.

&&

$$


http://www.weather.gov/medford
968 
WHUS76 KMFR 110620
MWWMFR

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
1020 PM PST Wed Jan 10 2018

PZZ350-356-376-111930-
/O.CON.KMFR.SC.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-180111T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.GL.W.0002.180111T1200Z-180112T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.SE.W.0002.180111T1200Z-180112T1200Z/
Coastal waters from Florence to Cape Blanco OR out 10 nm-
Coastal waters from Cape Blanco OR to Pt. St. George CA out 10 nm-
Waters from Cape Blanco OR to Pt. St. George CA from 10 to 60 nm-
1020 PM PST Wed Jan 10 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST
THURSDAY...
...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 4 PM PST
THURSDAY...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM THURSDAY TO
4 AM PST FRIDAY...

* Winds...South winds will increase to 20 to 30 kt tonight, then 
  increase to south 25 to 35 kt with gusts to 45 kt Thursday 
  morning. Winds will become southwest 20 to 25 kt by late 
  Thursday afternoon, then diminish Thursday night. 

* Seas...Chaotic combined seas will build to 16 to 20 feet 
  Thursday. Seas will become dominated by high long period west 
  swell Thursday night, 16 to 19 feet at 16 seconds. Seas will 
  subside Friday, but will still be high and steep. 

* Areas affected...For tonight...all areas will be affected by 
  steep seas hazardous to small craft and all areas will 
  experience small craft advisory winds except for right around 
  Brookings. The strongest winds and heaviest seas on Wednesday 
  will occur around and north of Cape Blanco. The heavy swell 
  Thursday into Thursday night will affect all areas...but 
  especially from around Cape Blanco north. 

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/hazard 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Gale Warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or
occurring. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires
experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly
recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe
harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.

A Hazardous Seas Warning means very steep and hazardous sea
conditions are imminent or occurring. Recreational boaters should
remain in port, or take shelter until waves subside.  Commercial
vessels should prepare for rough seas and consider remaining in
port or taking shelter in port until hazardous seas subside.

A Small Craft Advisory means that winds and seas will create a
potential hazard to smaller vessels and inexperienced mariners.

&&

$$

PZZ370-111930-
/O.CON.KMFR.SC.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-180111T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.GL.W.0002.180111T1200Z-180112T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.SE.W.0002.180112T0000Z-180112T1200Z/
Waters from Florence to Cape Blanco OR from 10 to 60 nm-
1020 PM PST Wed Jan 10 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST
THURSDAY...
...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 4 PM PST
THURSDAY...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THURSDAY TO
4 AM PST FRIDAY...

* Winds...South winds will increase to 20 to 30 kt tonight, then 
  increase to south gales 30 to 35 kt with gusts to 45 kt 
  Thursday morning. Winds will become southwest 20 to 25 kt by 
  late Thursday afternoon, then diminish Thursday night. 

* Seas...Chaotic combined seas will build to 18 to 21 feet 
  Thursday. Seas will become dominated by high long period west 
  swell Thursday night, 18 to 20 feet at 16 seconds. Seas will 
  subside Friday, but will still be high and steep. 

* Areas affected...All areas will be affected by the advisory 
  and both warnings. 

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/hazard 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Gale Warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or
occurring. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires
experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly
recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe
harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.

A Hazardous Seas Warning means very steep and hazardous sea
conditions are imminent or occurring. Recreational boaters should
remain in port, or take shelter until waves subside.  Commercial
vessels should prepare for rough seas and consider remaining in
port or taking shelter in port until hazardous seas subside.

A Small Craft Advisory means that winds and seas will create a
potential hazard to smaller vessels and inexperienced mariners.

&&

$$


http://www.weather.gov/medford
066 
WHUS76 KMFR 111014
MWWMFR

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
214 AM PST Thu Jan 11 2018


PZZ350-356-376-112315-
/O.CON.KMFR.SC.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-180111T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.GL.W.0002.180111T1200Z-180112T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.SE.W.0002.180111T1200Z-180112T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMFR.SW.Y.0004.180112T1200Z-180113T0600Z/
Coastal waters from Florence to Cape Blanco OR out 10 nm-
Coastal waters from Cape Blanco OR to Pt. St. George CA out 10 nm-
Waters from Cape Blanco OR to Pt. St. George CA from 10 to 60 nm-
214 AM PST Thu Jan 11 2018

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST
FRIDAY...
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FOR HAZARDOUS SEAS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO
10 PM PST FRIDAY...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Small Craft
Advisory for hazardous seas...which is in effect from 4 AM to
10 PM PST Friday. 

* Winds...South winds will to south 25 to 35 kt with gusts to 45
  kt this morning. Winds will become southwest 20 to 25 kt by late
  Thursday afternoon, then diminish Thursday night.

* Seas...Chaotic combined seas will build to 16 to 20 feet today.
  Seas will become dominated by high long period west swell tonight,
  16 to 19 feet at 16 seconds. Seas will subside Friday, but will
  still be high and steep. 

* Areas affected...The strongest winds and heaviest today will
  occur around and north of Cape Blanco. The heavy swell into tonight
  will affect all areas...but especially from around Cape Blanco 
  north. 

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/hazard 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Gale Warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or
occurring. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires
experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly
recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe
harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.

A Hazardous Seas Warning means very steep and hazardous sea
conditions are imminent or occurring. Recreational boaters should
remain in port, or take shelter until waves subside.  Commercial
vessels should prepare for rough seas and consider remaining in
port or taking shelter in port until hazardous seas subside.

A Small Craft Advisory means that winds and seas will create a
potential hazard to smaller vessels and inexperienced mariners.

A Small Craft Advisory for hazardous seas means that waves will
be steep enough to create a potential hazard to smaller vessels
and inexperienced mariners.

&&

$$

PZZ370-112315-
/O.CON.KMFR.SC.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-180111T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.GL.W.0002.180111T1200Z-180112T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.SE.W.0002.180112T0000Z-180112T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMFR.SW.Y.0004.180112T1200Z-180113T0600Z/
Waters from Florence to Cape Blanco OR from 10 to 60 nm-
214 AM PST Thu Jan 11 2018

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 4 AM PST FRIDAY...
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FOR HAZARDOUS SEAS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO
10 PM PST FRIDAY...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Small Craft
Advisory for hazardous seas...which is in effect from 4 AM to
10 PM PST Friday. 

* Winds...South winds will to south 25 to 35 kt with gusts to 45
  kt this morning. Winds will become southwest 20 to 25 kt by late
  Thursday afternoon, then diminish Thursday night.

* Seas...Chaotic combined seas will build to 16 to 20 feet today.
  Seas will become dominated by high long period west swell
  tonight, 16 to 19 feet at 16 seconds. Seas will subside Friday,
  but will still be high and steep. 

* Areas affected...All areas will be affected by the advisory 
  and both warnings. 

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/hazard 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Gale Warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or
occurring. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires
experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly
recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe
harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.

A Hazardous Seas Warning means very steep and hazardous sea
conditions are imminent or occurring. Recreational boaters should
remain in port, or take shelter until waves subside.  Commercial
vessels should prepare for rough seas and consider remaining in
port or taking shelter in port until hazardous seas subside.

A Small Craft Advisory means that winds and seas will create a
potential hazard to smaller vessels and inexperienced mariners.

A Small Craft Advisory for hazardous seas means that waves will
be steep enough to create a potential hazard to smaller vessels
and inexperienced mariners.

&&

$$


http://www.weather.gov/medford
949 
WHUS76 KMFR 112245
MWWMFR

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
245 PM PST Thu Jan 11 2018

PZZ350-356-376-121145-
/O.CAN.KMFR.GL.W.0002.000000T0000Z-180112T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.SE.W.0002.000000T0000Z-180112T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.SW.Y.0004.180112T1200Z-180113T0600Z/
Coastal waters from Florence to Cape Blanco OR out 10 nm-
Coastal waters from Cape Blanco OR to Pt. St. George CA out 10 nm-
Waters from Cape Blanco OR to Pt. St. George CA from 10 to 60 nm-
245 PM PST Thu Jan 11 2018

...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST
   FRIDAY...
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FOR HAZARDOUS SEAS REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM
   4 AM TO 10 PM PST FRIDAY...
...GALE WARNING CANCELLED...

The National Weather Service in Medford has cancelled the Gale
Warning. 

* Seas...Seas will become dominated by high long period west swell
  tonight. Very steep seas 19 to 22 feet at 16 seconds will
  subside to 15 feet by Friday morning, remaining steep into
  Friday evening. Seas will subside below 10 feet Friday night.

* Areas affected...The heavy swell into tonight will affect all 
  areas...but especially from around Cape Blanco north.
 
* View the hazard area in detail at
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/hazard

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Hazardous Seas Warning means very steep and hazardous sea
conditions are imminent or occurring. Recreational boaters should
remain in port, or take shelter until waves subside.  Commercial
vessels should prepare for rough seas and consider remaining in
port or taking shelter in port until hazardous seas subside.

A Small Craft Advisory for hazardous seas means that waves will
be steep enough to create a potential hazard to smaller vessels
and inexperienced mariners.

&&

$$

PZZ370-121145-
/O.CAN.KMFR.GL.W.0002.000000T0000Z-180112T0000Z/
/O.EXT.KMFR.SE.W.0002.180111T2245Z-180112T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.SW.Y.0004.180112T1200Z-180113T0600Z/
Waters from Florence to Cape Blanco OR from 10 to 60 nm-
245 PM PST Thu Jan 11 2018

...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST FRIDAY...
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FOR HAZARDOUS SEAS REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM
   4 AM TO 10 PM PST FRIDAY...
...GALE WARNING CANCELLED...

The National Weather Service in Medford has cancelled the Gale
Warning. 

* Seas...Seas will become dominated by high long period west swell
  tonight. Very steep seas 20 to 22 feet at 16 seconds will 
  subside to 15 feet by Friday morning, remaining steep into 
  Friday evening. Seas will subside below 10 feet Friday night.

* Areas affected...All areas will be affected.
 
* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/hazard 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Hazardous Seas Warning means very steep and hazardous sea
conditions are imminent or occurring. Recreational boaters should
remain in port, or take shelter until waves subside.  Commercial
vessels should prepare for rough seas and consider remaining in
port or taking shelter in port until hazardous seas subside.

A Small Craft Advisory for hazardous seas means that waves will
be steep enough to create a potential hazard to smaller vessels
and inexperienced mariners.

&&

$$

http://www.weather.gov/medford

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this gale warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Medford, OR wrote its last area forecast discussion before this gale warning went out at Jan 9, 8:55 PM PST, 5 hours 25 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 9, 8:55 PM PST, 5 hours 25 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Medford OR
855 PM PST Tue Jan 9 2018

.DISCUSSION...A warm front will move into the coastal waters
tonight. Rain is expected at the coast around midnight, spreading
into the Umpqua Basin around 3 AM, and down into the Rogue Valley
and south of the Siskiyous around daybreak. HiRes short term
models bring rain east of the Cascades through the Klamath Basin
into Lakeview and Alturas by mid to late Wednesday morning.
Precipitation is expected to taper off in the afternoon but the
next front is expected to bring another round of stead rain to the
west side Thursday. Snow levels will be in the 4500-5000 foot
range in the Cascades and Siskiyous Wednesday rising to 6500-7000
foot range on Thursday.

The latest 00Z GFS still show a drying period from Friday through
the weekend, then the pattern changes to a more active storm track
next week which would bring beneficial rain and mountain snow to
our area. /FB

&&

.AVIATION...10/00Z TAF CYCLE...A mix of MVFR and VFR with
scattered showers and terrain partially obscured this evening. A
warm front will lift northward into the area overnight into
Wednesday morning with widespread light rain and total terrain
obscuration. Ceilings/visibilities will likely lower at the TAF
sites to a mix of MVFR and IFR during this time frame with some
light snow possible at Klamath Falls. Conditions will slowly
improve to mostly VFR Wednesday afternoon, but with partial terrain
obscuration persisting. -Spilde

&&

.MARINE...Updated 830 PM PST Tuesday 9 Jan 2018...High pressure
offshore will weaken tonight. A weak front will move onshore late
tonight. A stronger front will move onshore Thursday. The models are
in pretty good agreement showing a onshore component at 925mb with
winds between 50-55 kts peaking around 10 am pst Thursday. Meanwhile
boundary layer winds show gale force winds during the same time
period. At the very least we'll have high end small craft conditions
with gale force winds possible for portions of the northern waters.
If winds were to reach gales, it may only be for a 3-6 hour period
Thursday afternoon. Because of this, no changes will be made to the
headlines. Keep in mind this could change, so watch for updates.

There will be two moderate to heavy swell events. The first will
begin Thursday and peak Thursday night. The latest model runs have
significantly increased the swell, and now it is forecast to peak at
18 feet at 16 seconds Thursday night. A Hazardous Seas Watch has
been issued, and these conditions will likely support High Surf
Advisory conditions. That will be issued later if the current
forecast persists.

The second round of heavy swell will occur Sunday night and it is
forecast to peak at 15 feet at 18 seconds.

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /Issued 345 PM PST Tue Jan 9 2018/

SHORT TERM...

An active weather pattern will continue for the work week with
some lingering showers expected Wednesday morning and more
precipitation Thursday.

Flow will stay north westerly as a short wave trough moves through
the region on Tuesday and some more energy in the wave will give
us the chance for more showers Wednesday morning. Snow levels
will have fallen to 3500 feet by this time as we are on the
backside of the trough. So snow is expected on Siskiyou Summit and
the other higher passes in the Cascades in addition to Snowman's
Summit. The snowfall is expected to be around 1-2 inches with the
higher totals in that range on the mountains such as Mt. Ashland
and Crater Lake.

Thursday is a bit more interesting weather wise. The trough will
stay to our north, which will keep us on the warm side of things.
Snow levels are expected to jump up to 7000 feet Thursday morning
ahead of the trough along the warm front. The other important
feature with this system is the strong westerly flow up into the
Cascades. The NAM is showing 700mb 45-55 knot westerly winds
Thursday, but the lower 850 mb flow is a bit more southerly, which
is expected with a warm front.

This should suggest some very good orographic lift along the
Cascades and the Coastal Range. Overall, we should see at least
0.5 inches up to 1 inch of precipitation along the coast and
Cascades throughout this event. Eventually, a cold front will come
through and drop snow levels down to 5000 feet Friday morning.
Storm total snow accumulations will be around 2-4 inches above
6000 feet, so Mt. Ashland and Crater Lake should see some snow
from this system.

As for Friday, this trough is expected to move out of the area
leading to just some lingering showers Friday morning and
afternoon. Drier air can be seen entering the forecast during
Friday evening.

-Smith

LONG TERM...

Saturday, January 13th, through Tuesday, January 16th...The extended
forecast will begin with an upper level ridge along the West Coast
with dry weather this weekend, but all signs point to a break down
of the ridge by early next week with a period of wet, unsettled
weather to affect much of the region during next week.

Models are well-aligned both Saturday and Sunday showing the upper
ridge overhead with surface high pressure centered near Idaho. This
will result in a thermal trough along the northern California coast
with a period of mostly weak offshore (east) winds. However, they'll
be stronger at the upper slopes and ridges of SW Oregon and NW
California. Sun angles are now increasing each day, but it is still
only mid-January and this pattern will likely result in steep
inversions that will be difficult to break in some of the west side
valleys. Overnight and morning fog will be stubborn and probably
last into the afternoons in some areas. Have therefore lowered
maximum temps a bit in the valleys, while also raising them over the
higher terrain and along the SW Oregon coast, where the offshore
winds will be strongest.

The upper ridge axis will shift to the east of the area Sunday night
and this will allow a frontal system offshore to approach the coast.
This initial system looks pretty weak and will likely fall apart as
it runs into the upper ridge.

However, a stronger trough will then become established over the NE
Pacific and this will allow a strong Pacific jet stream to be
directed into the Pacific Northwest next week with a series of wet
and, at times, windy disturbances moving into the area. The first of
these systems is expected to arrive Monday, then push through Monday
night into Tuesday. Then, another system likely follows right behind
it at midweek (Wednesday). Subtle timing and strength differences in
the models persist with each disturbance, so have favored a blend at
this point with a slight lean toward the ECMWF. But, there is still
plenty of time to fine tune the details, such as precipitation
amounts and snow levels. The Climate Prediction Center places
very highs odds of above normal precipitation during the 6-10 day
time frame, which should finally help to put a dent in our
precipitation deficits and build the mountain snowpack.

-Spilde

AVIATION...10/00Z TAF CYCLE...A mix of MVFR and VFR with
scattered showers and terrain partially obscured this evening. A
warm front will lift northward into the area overnight into
Wednesday morning with widespread light rain and total terrain
obscuration. Ceilings/visibilities will likely lower at the TAF
sites to a mix of MVFR and IFR during this time frame with some
light snow possible at Klamath Falls. Conditions will slowly
improve to mostly VFR Wednesday afternoon, but with partial terrain
obscuration persisting.

-Spilde

MARINE...Updated 200 PM PST Tuesday 9 Jan 2018...High pressure
offshore will weaken tonight. A weak front will move onshore late
tonight. A stronger front will move onshore Thursday. Models
indicate small craft winds and seas will occur with this front,
along with a few patches of gale force winds near and north of Cape
Blanco. Will not go with a Gale Watch since those areas are small
and not representative of conditions over the whole zone.

There will be two moderate to heavy swell events in the next week.
The first will begin Thursday and peak Thursday night. The latest
model runs have significantly increased the swell, and now it is
forecast to peak at 18 feet at 16 seconds Thursday night. A
Hazardous Seas Watch has been issued, and these conditions will
likely support High Surf Advisory conditions. That will be issued
later if the current forecast persists.

The second round of heavy swell will occur Sunday night and it is
forecast to peak at 15 feet at 18 seconds.

Looking further out, both the EC and GFS support a strong front
moving onshore next Wednesday with areas of storm force winds. Stay
tuned.

-Stockton

&&

.MFR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OR...None.

CA...None.

Pacific Coastal Waters...Small Craft Advisory from 4 PM Wednesday to 4 PM PST Thursday
     for PZZ350-356-370-376.
     Hazardous Seas Watch from Thursday afternoon through late
     Thursday night for PZZ350-356-370-376.
     Small Craft Advisory for hazardous seas until 1 AM PST Wednesday
     for PZZ350-356-370-376.

FJB/FJB/MAP

The office that day

Everything else NWS Medford, OR issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 10, 2:20 AM PSTHazardous Seas WarningMFR50 hr
Jan 10, 3:19 AM PSTHigh Wind WatchMFRKlamath, Lake11 hr
Jan 10, 3:19 AM PSTWind AdvisoryMFRKlamath, Lake46 hr
Jan 10, 2:30 PM PSTHigh Wind WarningMFRCoos, Curry, Douglas, Klamath, Lake35 hr
Jan 10, 2:30 PM PSTHigh Surf AdvisoryMFRCoos, Curry, Douglas38 hr

Nearby

Gale Warnings in Oregon, 2018Every gale warning in 2018

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text.