Storm Updates for Oregon, Washington Coast: Warnings, Watches, High Surf

Published 11/12/20 at 4:25 AM PDT
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Portland, Oregon) – UPDATES: LASTEST ON THE STORMS HERE NOV 16 Wind Warnings for Washington, Oregon Coast, Gusts up to 80; Flood Advisory

A potpourri of heavy weather conditions are coming to the Oregon coast and Washington coast, with a variety of high wind warnings and watches, as well as dangerous and high surf conditions – happening Friday and Saturday.

The worst of the storm dies down on Saturday night, only to see extreme high tides from Sunday through Tuesday, known as king tides.Although as yet the National Weather Service (NWS) has not issued any surf advisories that is a distinct likelihood.

Most of the Washington coast and the northern half of the Oregon coast are under a high wind watch, while the southern Oregon coast is under a high wind warning. The outlook for all the Pacific Northwest coastline is similar, in terms of surf.

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“The system will also bring large waves/high surf to the coast,” the NWS in Seattle said. “This will potentially create dangerous beach conditions with large waves, possible beach erosion and debris being carried up onto the beaches.”

Here are the storm updates as of November 12 at 4 a.m.

Washington Coast Updates

The southern Washington coast and northern half of the Oregon coast – from Raymond, Washington down through Florence – are under a high wind watch, in effect from Friday afternoon through evening. Southwest winds from 35 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are predicted, with the strongest winds at headlands and beaches, the NWS said.

This is for the areas around Astoria, Cannon Beach, Tillamook, Netarts, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Newport, Cape Foulweather, Yachats, Florence, Raymond, Long Beach, Ocean Park, Naselle, Cathlamet, and Cape Disappointment.

The areas of the Washington coast north of Raymond are not looking at winds as high, but all areas are staring down some heavy surf conditions. Offshore seas along Washington will be building to 20 - 24 feet late Friday night and into Saturday. The NWS office in Seattle is talking high surf but so far no distinct numbers of wave height onshore. It has noted the central coast should get the highest surf.

Northern Oregon Coast Updates

As stated above, the northern half is also under the high wind watch.

Offshore, the NWS is talking about 35-foot seas possible in some areas, but most should see around 30 feet on Friday and Saturday. While seas and winds die down later Saturday, extremely high king tides kick in all over the northwest coast the next day. The NWS hinted it is considering surf watches or warnings. Yet surf conditions may get worse with new storms.

“Overall though, expect an intense system with strong winds and hazardous seas,” the NWS in Portland said. “On Saturday, conditions will improve as the winds and seas die down. This likely will be short lived however as gusty winds will return on Sunday as yet another system approaches from the west.”

Southern Oregon Coast Updates

The southern Oregon coast – from Reedsport, Coos Bay, Bandon down to Gold Beach – may get the worst of it. The area is under a high wind warning from 4 a.m. Friday through 4 p.m. that day, with the NWS even suggesting not to go outside.

25 mph winds are expected and gusts up to 65 mph, but the NWS said the area north of Cape Blanco will see “storm force” winds, especially for ocean-faring vessels.

The NWS in Medford said power outages are possible and driving may be an issue.

“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.”

High seas and swells will spell danger along the beaches as well.

Storm Watch Options

Extreme caution will be required along the entire northwest coastline, and it’s entirely likely you should stay off all but the broadest of beaches. Check the various Oregon coast weather and Washington coast weather pages for surf hazard updates.

Higher vantage points should be safe once the high winds are over, like those at Cape Disappointment, Shore Acres, Bandon, Depoe Bay, Westport, or south of Cannon Beach. Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - Where to eat - Map - Virtual Tour

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