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Another Storm Expected to Blow Onto Oregon Coast Sunday

Large waves wallop the central coast

(Oregon Coast) – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high wind watch for the Oregon coast for Sunday morning and afternoon, as a storm front approaches the area, bringing the possibility of some strong gusts.

It will not be like the storm of early December, which brought huge rains, flooding and gusts of over 120 mph in many places. But it could be one of those regular storms that create spectacular moments on the coast – the kind that draw stormwatchers to the shoreline.

The NWS said a strong Pacific front will bring very gusty winds to the Oregon coast and parts of the southern Washington coast on Sunday, with sustained winds expected to be around 35 to 45 mph and gusts up to 65 mph. The beaches and headlands will get more of the brunt of these, but the NWS said the communities may get hit a bit as well.

How the storm will pan out is still unknown, and the NWS said it could become less of an issue or more of an issue.

“As the front moves inland, wind gusts up to 50 mph are also expected in the higher elevations of the north and central Oregon coast range,” the NWS said in a bulletin. “This front could either weaken or strengthen, and the high wind watch may be upgraded to a warning, or canceled, as the event becomes more clearly defined.”

This new storm comes on the heels of the recovery still taking place on the north Oregon coast, which was hit particularly hard by strong winds and fallen trees two weeks ago. These kind of winds contain the possibility of small amounts of damage, but since many trees were weakened by the previous storm, there is a greater possibility of more harm to property.

Downed trees in Seaside (photo Jenny Maxwell)

Many residents in towns like Seaside and Astoria are worried about trees surrounding their property that were somewhat damaged during the last patch of rough weather. Some still could fall – just as they were getting the previous mess cleaned up.

This kind of storm is normally nothing to coastal residents, who generally scoff at media coverage of weather events of this magnitude. It's part of what makes life fun out on the coast for them. But some on the north coast are worried because of already-weakened trees.

Currently, many state parks on the coast are still shut down as they are cleaning up giant fallen trees and numerous large limbs waiting to fall down.

Hotel sign destroyed in Seaside during the last storm

Many coastal tourism experts are expecting a good tide of stormwatchers, and for good reason. But it also calls for a reminder of beach safety, said Newport beach expert Guy DiTorrice.

Dangerous conditions can be a bit hard to spot sometimes as well, calling for further vigilance.

“Exercise extreme caution on the beach between storms,” DiTorrice said. “Skies might be cleared up and the tide table predicts low tide, but offshore conditions and ongoing nightly winds are building surf conditions that are limiting bar access on most rivers and not providing much room for safe beachcombing.”

Have your beach access available to you at all times. A big wave can come right up to a seawall, leaving you no path for safety, getting you cold, wet and possibly swimming when you don't want to do any of the three.

Winds tore apart the gazebo at the San Dune Inn in Manzanita

Stay on accessible high ground when storm-agitated surf is on the beach. Oregon State Parks maintains dozens of safe roadside parks and campground access points right along Highway 101 where you can get great photos of dramatic winter surf without endangering yourself.

Tall cliffs or high vantage points may give you a seriously faulty, bad sense of security. As engaging as they are – and tempting because you’re away from the tidal madness - they pose even more danger in wet, stormy weather. Stay clear of coastal bluffs. They can collapse and cause injury.

After the storm has subsided - later on Sunday or on Monday - should prove an interesting time for beachcombers. These types of storms often toss up large amounts of ocean debris onto the sand, creating some magnificent finds.

Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com.

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