Threat of Sneaker Waves But Warmer, Sunny Skies on Oregon / Washington Coast - Video

Published 01/14/22 at 5:42 PM PST
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Oregon Coast) – A beach hazards statement for the Oregon coast comes just as weather predictions indicate some beautifully sunny weather along the shoreline, with the extreme south coast looking at rather warm temps. (Photo courtesy Seaside Aquarium: a sneaker wave fires up from the tideline at Seaside)

The National Weather Service (NWS) has put out a Beach Hazards Statement for large sneaker waves along the entire northern half of the Oregon coast and the southern third of the Washington coast, extending from Florence up through Raymond. The hazards statement is in effect from midnight tonight through Saturday evening.

Expect sneaker waves on some or all beaches in the areas of Yachats, Newport, Lincoln City, Pacific City, Manzanita, Cannon Beach, Seaside, Long Beach, Ocean Park and Raymond.

“Waves can run up significantly farther on a beach than normal, including over rocks and jetties,” the NWS said. “Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean which may lead to serious injury or drowning.”

On the southern Oregon coast, however, from Reedsport down through Brookings, there are no sneaker wave issues expected. Offshore swells are generally less than 10 feet throughout the week there, compared with higher swells up north and a long dominant period between swells, which is what creates sneaker waves.

However, a curious inversion will be taking place over the western valley and southwest Washington as well as the coastline in some instances, which will create air stagnation.

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Along the Washington coast and Oregon coast, this will mean rather lovely days from Saturday through Monday (MLK Day) – just in time for the three-day weekend for many. Conditions along the entire coastline (until the central Washington coast) are predicted to be fairly sunny to completely sunny, especially on the south Oregon coast. Farther north into Washington it's only partly sunny at times.

Generally, temps will be in the mid 50s, but with no wind that translates to exceptionally warm conditions on the beach.

“Temperatures will likely be above seasonal normals above the valley inversions or along the coast, where offshore flow may allow some locations to break 60 degrees one or more of the next few days,” the NWS said.

NWS predictions are showing daytime highs of around 60 at Gold Beach and Brookings, making that area again the Banana Belt of Oregon.

Sunny conditions last a little longer farther south, but Tuesday is generally a turning point for the entire coastlines of Washington and Oregon, leaning more into rain. However, partly sunny conditions hit again by Friday and some areas will see very sunny conditions next Saturday.

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