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Big Waves, Surf to Batter Oregon Coast Monday

High surf smacking the rocks near Otter Crest Loop, on the central coast

(Oregon Coast) – A large storm is set to hit Oregon on Monday, but first it will attack the coastal region with high winds and a dangerously large surf. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high surf advisory and a high wind warning for the Oregon coast for Monday.

Wind gusts could reach around 85 miles per hour on the exposed headlands of the central coast, while north and central coast towns could experience gusts around 65 mph. Sustained winds are expected to be about 40 mph, which is the marking point the NWS uses to issue wind warnings where property may be in jeopardy.

There was a high wind watch issued by the NWS, but that is no longer in effect, it said in its latest report. The high wind warning is in effect for 6 a.m. to about 1 p.m. on Monday, producing south winds that may give up gusts of 85 mph on the beaches as well as the headlands. Gusts over 58 mph can lead to property damage.

Big waves crushing in on the cliff beneath Newport's Starfish Point: illustrating the dangers of walking on central coast beaches

The NWS said the high surf advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. Monday to midnight.

“Large swells are forecast to impact the south Washington and north and central coasts,” said the NWS in its warning. “Combined seas are expected to peak near 27 feet around noon on Monday, and gradually fall to near 20 feet by late Monday night. The advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion.”

The coast range will also get much of the brunt of these high intensity winds, creating a possible situation with trees falling on routes to the coast, like Highway 18 or 26. Wind gusts of around 50 mph are expected to batter the Portland area on Monday.

Stormwatchers will undoubtedly head to the coast to catch the spectacle, but officials warn this is not a time to venture onto the beaches at all.

Storm eases in over Cannon Beach

Keith Chandler, manager of the Seaside Aquarium, said high tides are expected to coincide with these large swells, creating extra danger. It is imperative that stormwatchers gawk from the safety of higher ground.

“It’s entirely possible the waves could reach up to the Turnaround,” Chandler said. He’s referring to the large circular structure on the Promenade, which normally has a good 100 feet between it and the tide line. “I left at four today, and the waves were getting pretty well built up. The waves may get up there, which happens about once or twice a year. The waves will probably just flatten out as they get there. But it will mean some cool things to see on the coast.”

Chandler said these waves will likely cause some sizable erosion. But more importantly, smaller beaches – with cliffs rather than gradual inclines towards the vegetation line – will be especially dangerous.

Seaside's Turnaround: the surf may reach up to this structure

“Seaside is so broad it’s hard to get yourself in trouble,” Chandler said. He was quick to point out it’s still not safe to hit this beach during these conditions, as rip currents could swallow you. “South county beaches, like Hug Point or Arcadia, or even Cannon Beach, are really potentially dangerous because of the cliffs behind them. It’s easy to get trapped or really injured.”

Smaller beaches like Arcadia or Hug Point will likely see waves lapping right up to the stairways, he said.

Brave souls hit the beach at Manzanita during a big windstorm

This means most central coast beaches, like Oceanside, most of Neskowin, most of Lincoln City and all of Newport will not be traversable. Yachats’ beaches will be best viewed from above, as is the case with all the beaches between there and Florence. The long, sandy stretches of Florence may allow some walking, but always stay far from the highest point where the tide has come to.

“Always excited to hear about the potential for big storms,” said Guy DiTorrice, a beach expert living in Newport.

“Storm-watchers need to be very cautious about where they go to observe, remembering that winds with big gusts could send pieces of the beach toward one and/or one's vehicle,” he said. “Smart to stay off the beach, opting for a higher, safer point for observing. Remember that we lost a couple tourists last year who were sitting on a sandstone headland undercut by huge waves, taking them out to sea.”

Storms often toss debris onto the Tolavana beach access at Cannon Beach

Driving along high bluffs like Cape Foulweather, above Manzanita, or long bridges like those in Waldport, Newport and Florence also pose some risks, or at least scary moments.

“People driving need to remember that higher bluffs and high-span bridges tend to get even higher winds and gusts due to their location,” DiTorrice said. “One needs to be extremely careful driving higher-profile vehicles, like RVs, vans or trailers, as one solid gust could ruin the trip for the day.”

While these kinds of winds are par for the course for many coastal residents, they’re still getting prepared for outages – which are predicted to take place even in the Portland area. Brian Hines, owner of San Dune Inn in Manzanita, just invested in a way to sidestep any future power outages for his motel.

“There ain’t gonna be one, now or ever again,” Hines said. “Just spent a mini fortune to get our apt dialed in with a generator and transfer switch for a direct hook up.”

Odd storm debris in Manzanita

The storm is expected to last only briefly on Monday morning and afternoon, but pack a sizable punch. With lots of erosion possibly on the menu, those love beachcombing will be in paradise afterwards – especially Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lots of interesting things were sighted and found after the storms of late October, all across the Oregon Coast. One Newport man found jellyfish that were still alive, and lots of interesting debris was tossed up onshore.

Bob Loeffel, of South Beach (just south of Newport), found three softballs from China in the area around Ona Beach. “They appeared shiny new though one of them had the base of a pelagic barnacle on it,” Loeffel said. “They carried the name “Worth” and were made in China. One was so water soaked that the seams were split.”

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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