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A Week Full of Wild Weather and Storms on Oregon Coast |
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Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.
01/03/08
Secrets of the Season |
A Week Full of Wild Weather and Storms on Oregon Coast
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| Storm waves near Depoe Bay |
(Oregon Coast) – If you're looking for the first major storm action and drama of 2008, this week will provide plenty of theater.
Stormy weather, high winds and big sea swells are expected to hit the coast Thursday and Friday with a pair of weather systems that will plod their way along the coast, one after the other, with their storm fronts actually creating three storms. They will bring gusts around 55 mph, while the northern half of the coast could get occasional gusts up to 70 mph later on. Lots of rain and some thunderstorms are expected to show up as well.
The
National Weather Service said the north and central coast should expect
windy conditions on the headlands and open beaches Thursday, with more
coming on Friday and early Saturday. The first storm will move in on Thursday,
with south winds of 20 to 35 mph, and gusts up to 55 mph on the headlands.
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| Manic, windy conditions in Manzanita |
That will ease up Thursday evening as that storm passes and moves onshore. But there’s more.
The cold front from the second storm – the stronger of the two – will arrive Friday morning, bringing winds again between 20 and 35 mph, with gusts around 50 or 55. Winds will then increase later on Friday as the low pressure center passes just to the northwest of the coastline.
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
Winds are then expected to be around 30 to 45 mph with gusts as high as 70 mph. That storm will continue into the wee hours of the morning on Saturday, finally subsiding in the middle of the night.
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| Stormy scene at Newport |
On the beaches, Thursday and Friday will see 20-foot swells, which spell lots of danger. But it gets worse. Saturday will see 30-foot swells in some areas of the Oregon coast, which means sizable erosion in some spots and waves climbing up the beaches and creating hazardous conditions.
Ocean swells are expected to be quite high as well, with Friday seeing 27-foot swells out on the ocean along with possible isolated thunderstorms. There is a small craft advisory for hazardous conditions on the ocean.
Those heading to the coast will be treated to the famous winter storms on Friday night. Saturday and Sunday will provide some fascinating beachcombing when beach conditions have calmed down.
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| Storm debris is already filling this wheelchair access point at Cannon Beach's Tolovana area |
Coastal locals are again scoffing just a bit at the coverage of this storm, like Winston Laszlo, owner of Old Wheeler Hotel in Wheeler.
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.theoceanlodge.com |
“Gusts up to 55 mph?,” he said. “You call that a storm? Seriously, the Old Wheeler Hotel came through the big one last month without a problem. The building is made of concrete, after all. Sounds like this one might make for some good storm watching.”
Michelle Franck, owner of Oregon Beach House Rentals, said “coasties” are a tough breed of cat. “We hang on, hang in and keep on hangin. Come to the coast and play.”
In Depoe Bay, Trollers Lodge owner Peggy Leoni didn’t see much ado about this storm, but said the ocean views at her motel will be especially inviting in the always-engaging surf of this area.
Still, she’s prepared. “55 mph isn't all that
much,” Leoni said. “But we are preparing the same as always;
securing anything loose and checking our battery and candle supply.
We hope lots of storm watchers will come.”
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| Odd things abound on the beach after storms, like this enormous bundle of sea kelp near Newport. Many of the beaches already have a variety of items covering the beach, and they'll have more this week |
However, these storms are cause for warnings.
During
storms, 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.
While beachcombing after the storms, keep your eye on the ocean and do not turn your back on it. Sneaker waves are common and often catch people off guard while standing onshore. You can't see them and they are impossible to predict. These occur when smaller waves pile up on top each other to form one large wave – sometimes twice as large as the previous sets. Also, they can carry large pieces of debris with them such as logs, which present a whole set of other dangers.
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D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites,
1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people.
Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway
St. |
A1 Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses – from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces, beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers. Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com. |
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Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea. |
STARFISH
POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium
lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the
beach. |
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Lincoln City Vacation Homes Something for everyone: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All are either oceanfront or just a few steps away – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets allowed in some homes – ask first. Each comes with complete kitchens. Most have seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778. |
 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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