Tourists, Locals Take Refuge from Oregon Coast Storm

Logs batter the cliffs in Newport (courtesy Starfish Point)

(Oregon Coast) – The rain and wind has let up on Oregon’s coast, but some spectacular images and wild stories have emerged from the storm.

Many roads are still closed or closed to all but higher-sitting vehicles on the Oregon coast, including Highway 6, parts of Highway 101 at Tillamook, Seaside and Nehalem, and Highway 53 remains shut down due to a landslide that is unclear when it will be taken care of.

Some homes at the Salishan spit near Lincoln City are in danger of falling into the surf because of extreme erosion, although at least one has been saved due to the constant filling of rip rap by local authorities. There is some reported damage of a home near Depoe Bay as well.

Meanwhile, flood watches are still in effect for the entire Oregon coast. The waves began smacking the stairway at the bottom of the cliff at Newport’s Starfish Point hotel Monday and kept it up Tuesday. Manager Danielle Emerick added there was thunder and lightning at one point late Monday.

Stairway at Starfish Point

Numerous tales of hardships and humor have emerged from the atmospheric melee. Many locals and visitors are taking refuge from the storm in hotels.

“We are completely full with ‘orphans of the storm,’ ” said Winston Laszlo, owner of Old Wheeler Hotel, on Monday night. “We have had to turn away people looking to get into dry shelter, or just to have a place to go since they can't get to their homes. Of course, we have been offering generous ‘stormy weather discounts.’ It's been kind of fun - all the coming and going, and all the while watching the drama of the storm unfolding out the windows.”

Brian Hines, owner of San Dune Inn in Manzanita, noted parts of Nehalem looked like they were forming new bodies of water, where various lakes and the Nehalem River were merging into something bigger and dangerous. His motel also got filled with numerous refuges on Monday night.

Flooding in Nehalem click here for more pix

“We have one guest who has cancer of the lungs and liver and who is on oxygen, but the supply house in Tillamook can't get thru due to the flooding down there,” Hines said. “Luckily he has reserve capacity.”

“Another construction guy just checked in and said a landslide closed Highway 53. He had to back up with his big rig trailer a mile or so just to find a driveway to turn around and head back to 26.”

Hines said he had one couple check in who couldn’t make it out of the coastal region who also said Miami Foley Road was closed as well. One Manzanita woman has booked a room there because her basement is flooded, and the owner of the Big Wave Café just booked her cooks into the motel to make sure she can stay open. “Marcie from the Big Wave was just in and booked a room for her two cooks for tonight,” he said Monday night. “They didn't show up until 2 p.m. for work due to floods in Seaside, so they didn't start any cooking at the Wave until then. They don't want the same to happen tomorrow a.m.” Click here for more photos of a flooded Nehalem

Rain-soaked Seaside

Winds disabled some phone service at the Seaside Aquarium, and The Tides manager Wayne Chase barely got through the flooded southern area of Seaside. “Lots of water throughout Seaside,” Chase said. “The rivers have crested their banks and filling the low land areas. The Seaside Golf course has become a lake. I headed out to the junction for Portland and Cannon Beach, south of town, to find no cars were being allowed through - just log trucks and vehicles with high clearance. It is two feet to the bottom of my truck doors and the water was that high without wake. I was waiting to see it seeping through the doors but must have a good seal, because with the wake of other cars it was easily up half way on the doors. Very spooky drive to say the least.”

The storm filled Zinger’s Homemade Ice Cream owner Mike Exinger with awe. “Wind is up and down – actually had a calm moment earlier this afternoon, and then it came back in torrents of rain and wind,” Exinger said.

“The water is on many roadways, and of course, US 101 south of town is flooded - because of rain and the incoming high tides pushing water over the riverbanks. The river is way up, almost touching the underside of the bridges. Again, it’s the incoming high tide that adds to the river’s rise.

There was a fair amount of humor to be found in the storm scene in the Wheeler and Nehalem Bay area. Peg Miller, of Ekahni Books, said she and her neighbors have seen some comical things washing past.

Storm surges battered the Tolovana area of Cannon Beach last year, leaving this debris

“We just saw a beautiful red Adirondack chair floating down Nehalem Bay and out to sea,” Miller said. Her boyfriend, Garry Gitzen, made some other observations. “Garry just saw a boat going out to sea attached to a dock. Shortly after that came another boat chasing the first one to try and retrieve it. Personally, I'd just call my insurance company. The bay is loaded with stray logs and debris right now, so it's dangerous.”

In Cannon Beach, Chamber of Commerce employees noted a group of teens running through the flooded streets in only bathing suits and rubber boots. “It was absolutely hilarious,” said one official.

Businesses on the central Oregon coast aren’t having as hard a time, however. “It’s a great time to visit,” said Emerick. “We really love the storms. They are way better than the normal coastal weather alternatives we get, like fog, drizzle, gray something, etc. It adds a bit of excitement and you feel energized.”

At D Sands Condominium Motel in Lincoln City, which is right on the ocean, manager Kevin Winters touted the benefits of such a wild display. “The wind and rain is making the ocean look great,” Winters said. “There’s no better time than to come to the beach to watch the storms roll in from the comfort of an oceanfront suite.”

DIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES

THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years, The Tides has been a favorite of Seaside visitors. History meets modern luxury here. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Find suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds with picnic tables and location at the quiet southern end of Seaside make for some memorable means of play and repose. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com.

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

STARFISH POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport - and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com

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 our entire property for 20-26. All units close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Enjoy comfy robes & slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. See us on The Travel Channel's "Great Escapes" show in August 2006. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. www.SeasideSuites.com