Flooding, High Winds, High Surf Along Washington / Oregon Coast

Published 01/01/22 at 8:22 PM PST
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Ilwaco, Washington) – A variety of weather warnings and advisories have been issued along the Oregon coast and Washington coast for Sunday through Tuesday, including high winds with gusts up to 75 mph, flooding in beach towns from Brookings through the Olympic Peninsula, a lot of rain in some areas and even a high surf advisory for the southern Oregon coast. (Above: Seaside under king tide conditions, courtesy Seaside Aquarium)

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a coastal flood advisory for the entire Pacific Northwest shoreline region, a high wind warning or advisory for the majority of the area, and advisories about high surf coinciding with the king tides event, especially on the southern Oregon coast.

Also see Caution Urged: King Tides Bring Flooding, Steep Seas to Oregon / Washington Coast

“Rain will begin Sunday afternoon, with periods of heavy rain possible through the week as a series of strong storms moves through the Pacific Northwest,” the NWS said. “Precipitation totals for the coming week (Sunday through Friday) will be on the order of 5 to 8 inches for the Coast Range. The combination of saturated soils, heavy rain, and some snowmelt will lead to sharp rises on several creeks and rivers. Faster-responding rivers will rise sharply Monday but are unlikely to reach flood stage with the first round of rain. However, additional rises are expected Tuesday and Wednesday, and most rivers will keep rising, with flooding possible through the week.”

The king tide events Sunday and Monday will coincide with some rather large swells offshore, creating extra hazards and more flooding. The most dangerous area will likely be the south Oregon coast, from Reedsport through Brookings.

High Surf Advisory, South Oregon Coast. This is in effect from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday at 10 a.m. The NWS said large breaking waves of 22 to 25 feet are expected, along with high water levels around bays and estuaries.

“Large breaking waves will create hazardous conditions along and within the surf zone, and could inundate beaches and low lying shorelines. Beach erosion is possible,” the NWS said.

Coastal Flood Advisories – North Washington Coast Through South Oregon Coast. These have been issued for the south Oregon coast, upper half of Oregon's beaches, and the entirety of the Washington coast. Timing differs slightly but they are generally in effect from Sunday morning through late in the afternoon.

“Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected,” the NWS said.

On the southern Oregon coast, it could be a little more serious.

See Oregon Coast Weather - Washington Coast Weather

See Oregon Coast Road, Traffic Conditions, Updates

“High water levels resulting from King Tides, heavy rainfall, and storm force winds are expected to surpass thresholds that have caused minor flooding and road/lane closures in the past, particularly in the Coos Bay area,” the NWS said.

High Wind Warning Oregon Coast; High Wind Advisory North / Central Washington Coast. Along the south Oregon coast, a high wind warning is in effect from noon on Sunday to 1 p.m. Monday. On the northern half of the Oregon coast and southern third of Washington's coast, it is in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday through 4 a.m. Monday.

In each case, gusts up to 75 mph are possible on beaches and headlands, which will make for extremely uncomfortable conditions if you're trying to photograph the king tides. All that rainfall will also not be good for camera gear.

Strongest winds are expected to be on Sunday afternoon.

On the north and central Washington coast, it's a wind advisory in effect from now through late Sunday afternoon, with the possibility of gusts up to 50 mph.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Cape Disappointment, courtesy Washington State Parks

Stormy Coos Bay area, courtesy Brent Lerwill

Depoe Bay at night during a storm

Stormy waves at Lincoln City's D River, courtesy Oregon State Parks

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