Dangerous Surf and High Winds for Tonight, Monday on Oregon Coast

Published 03/11/2012

(Oregon Coast) – Big winds and big waves are waiting in the wings for the Oregon coast, with the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing a high surf advisory through Monday evening and a high wind warning until early evening on Monday (above: wild waves at Cape Kiwanda).

The NWS office in Portland said combined seas up to around 25 feet will start pummeling the Oregon coast Sunday through Monday evening. A sizable winter storm will be kicking things up maybe even higher than 25 feet, meaning everyone needs to stay off the beaches and far from jetties or rocky areas where the surf can reach over the rocks.

“A strong low pressure system will develop over the offshore waters tonight, then swing northeast inside 130 west longitude toward Vancouver Island late tonight and Monday morning,” the NWS said in its alert. “

The high surf advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday for the coast of southern Washington, the northern Oregon coast and central Oregon coast – which includes towns like Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Newport, and Yachats.

Especially dangerous in such conditions will be rocky spots or small beaches like Ecola State Park at Cannon Beach, Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach, Oceanside, Yachats or many of the beaches south of there. Conversely, the cliffs and viewpoints above these spots will be excellent and safe storm-watching places.

“Combined seas will build quickly late tonight as very strong winds creates a large wind wave component,” the NWS said. “Combined seas of 24 to 28 feet can be expected late tonight through Monday. Seas will slowly ease to 21 to 24 feet late Monday afternoon, then under 20 feet by late evening.”

The NWS urged to exercise extreme caution along beaches. In the end, it's simply not a good idea to be on any beach, as sneaker waves can take out people on even the broadest of beaches during such weather.

“This is not a time to be near the water,” the NWS.

The high wind warning is in effect from 2 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday for the south Washington coast, north Oregon coast and central Oregon coast. Affected areas will include Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Newport, Florence and Yachats.

South winds will increase late on Sunday with peak gusts between 10 a. m. and 5 p.m. on Monday. The NWS said steady winds of 30 to 45 mph are expected, while gusts could reach up to 70 mph.

“Strongest winds are expected along the central Oregon coast,” the NWS said.

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