Washington State Ferries canceled two Port Townsend to Coupeville sailings Saturday because of high winds, and the operator warned that the last departures in both directions could also be canceled. A separate high surf warning takes effect Sunday morning along the northern Washington and Grays Harbor County coasts.
Ferry departures and overnight wind
The state ferry bulletin canceled the 6:45 p.m. sailing out of Port Townsend and the 7:30 p.m. sailing out of Coupeville. At its 6 p.m. update, the agency said the 8:30 p.m. departure from Port Townsend and the 9:10 p.m. departure from Coupeville were at risk. Reservation holders will not be charged a fee for Saturday’s sailings. The agency pointed travelers to the Mukilteo to Clinton or Edmonds to Kingston routes for alternatives.
The National Weather Service’s wind advisories run until 4 a.m. Sunday in San Juan County and along the northern Washington and Grays Harbor County coasts. Forecasters expect southeast winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Island County and the Port Townsend area are under a separate advisory until 7 a.m., with gusts of 40 to 45 mph. High-profile vehicles may be harder to control in the gusts.
Where the high surf warning applies
The Seattle weather office has a high surf advisory in effect along the northern Washington and Grays Harbor County coasts until 10 a.m. Sunday. It becomes a warning at 10 a.m. and runs through 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16. This covers the ocean-facing coast. The Port Townsend ferry cancellations affect the Admiralty Inlet crossing farther inland.
Waves can reach well up the beach and move heavy driftwood. Forecasters advise staying away from surf, jetties and exposed rocks while the warning is in effect. If you’re taking the ferry Saturday, check the state bulletin before setting out for either of the last scheduled sailings. All times are Pacific.
