Monster waves expected on the Oregon Coast, powerful winds in the Gorge
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Monster 25 to 30-foot waves are forecast for the Oregon and Southwest Washington coasts for the next three days.
The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf advisory for the region until 10 p.m. Monday. A high-surf advisory is also in effect for Curry, Coos and Douglas counties in southern Oregon, where 21 to 26 foot waves are possible through Sunday night.
Between Sunday night and 10 p.m. Monday, the south coast could also see breakers as large as 33 feet.
“Destructive waves may wash over beaches, jetties, and other structures unexpectedly,” the NWS warns. “People can be swept off rocks and jetties and drown while observing high surf. Minor beach erosion may damage coastal properties and buildings. Higher-than-normal water run-up is expected on beaches and low-lying shorelines.”
Additionally, there is a heightened chance of sneaker waves on the Oregon Coast throughout the weekend and into Monday. People are advised to never turn their back on the ocean, as sneaker waves can carry heavy debris like logs capable of crushing a person to death. In the Pacific Northwest, frigid water can also cause people to lose control of their limbs within seconds.
“The volume of sand, water, and gravel [sneaker waves] carry will deposit in an individuals’ clothes,” the NWS website states. “Survivors have described the water-sand mix in their clothes as feeling as heavy as concrete, rendering them incapable of escaping the receding waves pulling them into the ocean.”
Strong easterly winds are also forecast to bring 45 to 65 mph gusts to the western Columbia River Gorge between Saturday and Monday. In the Portland metro area, 35 to 50 mph gusts are possible.
“A frontal system will continue to facilitate widespread precipitation across the region this morning in addition to breezy, gusty winds along the coast and through the Columbia Gorge,” the National Weather Service predicts. “Expect steadier light rain to break to showers this afternoon.”