High Wind Warnings for Oregon Coast, South Washington Coast On Top of Flooding

Published 01/06/22 at 5:32 AM PST
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Newport, Oregon) – More crazy, wacky weather is on its way to the Oregon coast and south Washington coast, with a high wind warning in effect from the south Oregon coast up through the southern third of the Washington coast from Thursday evening through Friday morning. This is on top of various flood watches or warnings for the region (see Flooding A Possibility to Likelihood Along Parts of Oregon Coast ). (Above: Arch Cape)

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the high wind watch for this vast area of the Pacific Northwest coastline, saying gusts up to 60 mph are possible in beach towns, but beaches and headlands could see higher speeds.

“Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible in communities set back from the ocean,” the NWS said. “Southwest winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph will be possible along the beaches and headlands.”

This includes the towns of Brookings, Gold Beach, Bandon, Coos Bay, Florence, Newport, Lincoln City, Manzanita, Seaside, Long Beach, Westport and Grays Harbor area.

The NWS said the strongest winds will be on the north and central Oregon coast. The south Oregon coast, from Reedsport southward, may not be seeing gusts up to 70 mph.

Farther up the Washington coast, into Forks and the Olympic Peninsula, winds are not quite reaching such warning levels, but offshore seas will be especially hazardous.

Westport, Washington, courtesy Shian Klassen

“People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches,” the NWS said. “If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of winds.”

See Oregon Coast Weather - Washington Coast Weather

See Oregon Coast Road, Traffic Conditions, Updates

These were changed from wind watches to wind warnings overnight on Thursday morning.

Coastal flood advisories have been issued up and down the northern half of the coast and southern part of Washington's coast, while the Coquille area near Bandon is under a flood warning. See the full story Flooding A Possibility to Likelihood Along Parts of Oregon Coast .

The southern Oregon coast will be seeing some steep offshore seas on Thursday and Friday, but the northern half of the coastline will see even bigger waves. Wave height in the teens is expected for much of Thursday while Friday morning may see waves up around 22 feet for a bit before dropping back down. While these predictions by the NWS are more relevant to mariners, it is expected to coincide with high tides and thus bring flooding to the shoreline and possibly Highway 101 in spots.

Significant erosion could take place on beaches as well.

By Sunday, things will be calmer along much of the Washington and Oregon coast, with some amount of sun predicted. The late weekend and early week will be a good time to head to the beaches of Washington and southward to look for whatever treasures the ocean may have coughed up.

Wave height should be relatively calm by Saturday in the Lincoln City area, so this weekend's special drop of 100 glass float is not likely to be affected. 100 Glass Floats Dropped This Weekend on Central Oregon Coast Beaches / Lincoln City

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Cape Disappointment, courtesy Long Beach Visitors

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