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Hurricane-like Winds, High Surf Warning on Oregon Coast

Big storm hits central coast

(Oregon Coast) - It may seem like the apocalypse on the Oregon coast early this week, or it will be a stormwatcher’s dream. Either way, it will be a remarkable spectacle – and more than likely give TV crews plenty to do.

A high wind warning, a high surf advisory and a flood watch have all been issued for the Oregon coast by the National Weather Service (NWS) for this weekend, even through Monday night. Meanwhile, the coastal region saw some light touches of snow, especially up on the north coast.

The coastal region, like the inland valley and coast range, is expected to get hit with all sorts of weather. But on the coast, this means a great deal of rain, dangerous waves and sustained winds that will be around 30 to 50 mph, with gusts as high as near 100 at times – at least on the extended headlands.

Storm and sun in Manzanita

The NWS said the high surf advisory is in effect through 10 p.m. on Sunday night, with the initial brunt of the coming storm kicking up the surf. “Seas as measured by buoys offshore will top 20 feet around midday on Sunday, and rise to around 25 feet in the afternoon,” said the NWS. Seas may drop off a few feet Sunday evening before seas build again with the stronger portion of this storm early Monday. Seas will build to 35 to 40 feet early Monday morning and may top 45 feet by later morning.”

The NWS said the waves when combined with the high winds have the potential to push the ocean into the land, causing damage and flooding. High tide on Monday will be around 8 and 9 a.m., causing the most concern for flooding, especially around some coastal rivers.

Nehalem during an especially nasty flood in 2006

The agency warns this kind of high surf will affect beaches with localized erosion, and it will be capable of moving large logs onto the beach. No one should go onto the beaches during these storms.

Residents are advised to be alert for further flooding statements by officials and take action to protect beach property.

A high wind watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Monday night. Winds from Astoria to the south coast are expected to kick in with two periods of stormy conditions, beginning early Sunday. South winds of around 30 to 40 mph should start around 7 a.m. and continue through the day. Gusts of around 75 mph are predicted for the headlands, while coastal communities my get gusts around 65 mph.

These will eventually increase, said the NWS, with gusts on Monday hitting as high as 80 mph in the coastal communities, and sustained winds of 30 to 50 mph. “Winds will decrease Monday night, once the associated cold front pushes onshore,” said the NWS.

Storm-tossed logs invade the accesses at Cannon Beach

The agency also warned these winds are strong enough to produce substantial damage.

Winds in the Portland area may create occasional gusts of 45 mph during this time, and plenty of rain is predicted for the inland region.

Travel in the coast range may be a problem, because as much as a foot of new snow may drop on the higher elevations of those roads to the coast.

As the valley and coast range experienced some snow dustings Saturday, so did the north coast. Brian Hines, owner of San Dune Inn in Manzanita, said he spotted a bit of the white stuff. “A few snow flakes and some hail in Manzanita today,” Hines said. “101 from Manzanita to Wheeler had probably a quarter inch accumulation. The sky looks pretty threatening right now. Winds are light to moderate.”

No one on the central Oregon coast spotted any snow.

Cannon Beach in a snow storm, 2007 (photo Tiffany Boothe)

Newport beach expert Guy DiTorrice had some reservations about what would really happen, but he agreed it will be a whopper if all predictions are true.

“If the weather matrix described comes to fruition, it should compare to the type of shoreline activity we saw the winter of 1995 - 96, with the possibility of a wind or two similar to the one that took the roof of the Newport Izzy's, like in December of 1995,” DiTorrice said. “Expect some impressive surf with 'normal' winter winds – 40 to 45 mph - and OCCASIONAL gusts at or above 80 mph. The record gust that did in Izzy's roof was somewhere around 95-plus mph.

“There will be - as there always is - higher sustained wind peaks and gusts on headlands, like Cape Foulweather, Heceta Head, etc, and those higher bridges crossing rivers, such as Yaquina Bay.”

Depoe Bay Visitors Center director Carol Barkhurst said the coming storm is creating some dilemmas.

Storm surges in Gleneden Beach

“The men of Depoe Bay are struggling with major decisions,” Barkhurst said. “We have a decorated tree on top of the Whale Watch Building, the wreaths on the bridge, and the whales and candy canes on the main drag. Not to even mention the elaborate outside decorations so many have put up. Can we leave them all up? Or?”

Nearby, Peg Leoni owns and runs Trollers Lodge in Depoe Bay. She’s been prepared for such storms for a while, and had some suggestions for others based on what she does:

1) Check the NOAA website for the latest info: http://www.weather.gov/ and prepare accordingly.
2) Give each guest a flashlight and extra blanket
3) Secure everything that is moveable, batten down the hatches
4) Chill the wine and light the candles, it's just another storm.

As always, safety in such spectacular storms is a big consideration.

Waves lash at Newport's Yaquina Head (photo Guy DiTorrice)

“Remember that even far-offshore events – like the tropical depressions to the northwest of us - will kick-up inbound long-ocean swells and help increase shoreline wave action,” DiTorric said. “Good storm-watching occurs in safe locations where you're not directly on a beach nor standing on a low-elevation sandstone bluff that would be impacted by large wave activity. Remember, we lost a couple of folks last year on ‘dry land,’ when the small bluff they were standing on became part of a very churning beach. Safety first - good photos second.”

Such wild wonders are what many residents live for, however.

“You must love storms and unpredictable weather to be a true ‘Coastie,’ “ said Barkhurst. “This is what we look forward to. As long as they are not truly destructive - we celebrate the ferocity of the wind and the water.”

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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