Published 12/12/08
Oregon Weather Update: Coast Range Clear Most
of Weekend
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Huge waves make a wild centerpiece at the bottom of Manzanita's
Laneda Ave. |
(Manzanita, Oregon) - As winds began whipping the north
and central Oregon coast, the weather chatter was also in a froth about
the possibility of snowy conditions on the passes to the coast. But that
won't materialize until later on Sunday, and even then it doesn't mean
hazardous driving is necessarily going to be a problem.
To keep an eye on weather conditions, see the Oregon
Coast Weather page.
It does mean the way to and from the Oregon coast will
be clear for the weekend, allowing some fantastic viewing of crazy coastal
storm conditions which started early Friday morning.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said a big arctic front
will position itself over the coast, coast range and inland valleys on
Sunday, lingering throughout the week.
“This air mass has its origins in northern Canada
and will likely reach the southern Willamette Valley area Sunday night
and Monday,” the NWS said. “Daytime temperatures will fall
into the 20’s on Sunday, mainly in the north, as the arctic air
spreads in. Daytime highs will then struggle to reach freezing through
much of next week. Night lows will drop into at least the teens, with
single digits or possibly even below zero in the Cascades.”
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Manzanita's "Lake Post Office." |
Some small power outages were reported in Manzanita and
Cannon Beach Friday, as high wind gusts tore through the small coastal
towns.
Rain dumped on Manzanita on and off, creating a large puddle
behind the post office which many locals have nicknamed “Lake Post
Office.”
Still, periods of clear sky have been common all day, as
the rain takes a break, even letting the sun in for a while. The wind
has been blowing steadily, however, with gusts increasing as the rainsqualls
hit.
Massive swells on the ocean are the rule of the day, causing
surfers to abandon all hope of some pre-storm fun on Friday morning. Many
had been talking about the possibility of taking advantage of the bigger
waves that commonly come just before a storm.
|
The sun peeked out quite often in Manzanita Friday. |
Those swells, coupled with high tides, are the cause of
a flood watch along the coast.
“The greatest threat for coastal flooding will be
near the time of high tide around noon Saturday,” the NWS said.
“The expected high tide for Newport on Saturday will be 10.2 feet
at 11:43 a.m. The expected high tide for Astoria on Saturday will be 10.6
feet at 12:54 p.m. The large swells and strong onshore winds will begin
to subside late Saturday afternoon, ending the threat for coastal flooding.”
This
period of high tides also means extreme low tides. Thursday, with conditions
bright, sunny and warm, saw many clam hunters at a seriously low tide
in Seaside late in the afternoon.
Coastal residents are used to these storms, and there’s
little about 60 mph gusts that shakes them. They’re also used to
minor power outages, which created some small, momentary inconveniences.
One lady in Manzanita’s Little Apple Grocery Friday lightly complained
about the power trucks blocking her street as they tried to restore power.
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Big waves make a dramatic splash near Depoe Bay. |
But coastal residents aren’t used to the frigid
temperatures predicted for their region as well, which may present the
possibility of dustings of snow on the beaches on Sunday. Many have complained
about those low temps later this week.
All the talk of inclement weather seems to have scared
off many tourists, although unnecessarily so. One hotelier in Manzanita
complained he had eight room nights reserved for this weekend, but everyone
canceled - all spooked by weather conditions.
Tradewinds
Motel,
Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s
and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a
double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck.
Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person
romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate
oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed,
fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family
reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect
to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly.
523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938.
www.tradewinds-motel.com |
Inn
at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south
end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by
the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach
strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering
gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms.
Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly.
Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine
and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At
Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com. |
The
Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built
like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean
front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun
(nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent
smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood
burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive
book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet
breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select
rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies.
888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon.
www.theoceanlodge.com |
Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea.
All homes are immaculate and smoke free; some pet friendly (with
a fee). Some with broadband, indoor or outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces,
decks, and fire pits or barbecues. Call about tempting winter specials
that go until March (not valid holidays, however). www.archcaperentals.com
866-436-1607. |
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ASTORIA
Where the Columbia meets the Pacific,
Land of Lewis & Clark and loads of atmosphere & history |
SEASIDE
The Promenade, Tillamook Head, family
fun & broad, sandy beaches
|
CANNON
BEACH
A mysterious lighthouse, upscale
yet earthy, a huge monolith, fine eateries & an art mecca
|
NEHALEM
BAY
Manzanita's beaches, Nehalem and
Wheeler's quirky beauty; laid back Rockaway
|
TILLAMOOK BAY
Garibaldi, Barview, Bay City, Tillamook
& an oceanfront ghost town
|
THREE
CAPES LOOP
The hidden secret of the coast: Cape
Meares, a lighthouse, Oceanside, Netarts and Pacific City
|
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DEPOE
BAY
A spouting horn downtown, freaky hidden
cliffs and whales, whales, whales |
NEWPORT
Time-tripping Nye Beach, a bustling
bayfront, marine science-central and two lighthouses |
|
YACHATS
Constantly dramatic wave action, a mix of the rugged &
upscale |
|
FLORENCE
A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles and miles of fluffy
dunes |
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