High surf warning issued for North Coast

The Daily Astorian http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=398&ArticleID=65437

A high surf warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. Heavy surf will impact the Oregon Coast this weekend when a strong Pacific storm that will generate a very large west to northwest swell will reach the Oregon Coast today.

The warning will be in effect until 4 p.m. Sunday. Breaker heights will initially be around 20 feet this morning, but will build rapidly to around 30 to 35 feet this afternoon and evening. Breakers will subside to around 25 feet on Sunday. The heaviest surf will be on west to northwest facing coastlines.

A high surf warning indicates that battering waves will pound the shoreline. This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and deadly rip currents. Avoid jetties and other exposed structures as these will likely be regularly inundated by the heavy surf.

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port has closed the Columbia River and Tillamook Bay bars Thursday because of hazardous conditions.

The bar closure is for all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the Captain of the Port, Portland.

Vessels are advised to divert to Yaquina Bay, or be prepared to remain at sea until the weather clears. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on Channel 16 for further information or to request crossing.

It is expected the Captain of the Port will re-open the Columbia River and Tillamook Bay bars on or before 5 p.m. Sunday.






Coast Guard renews warning to mariners to prepare properly, stay safe
Mariners need to take the necessary steps to ensure their boats are properly secured.

The Coast Guard has received many reports of vessels adrift in the Northwest.

"With the high winds it is common for vessels to break free from their moorings. The Coast Guard responds to all of these cases, many times putting responders at risk in rough waters" said Petty Officer Daniel Sansom, a Search and Rescue Specialist at Coast Guard Sector Seattle.

Boaters, beach-goers and those living in areas with a potential for flooding should follow these guidelines to ensure their safety:

• Ensure you have a storm anchor. The anchor that comes with a boat is often inadequate for the storms in the Pacific Northwest. An improper or inadequate anchor can cause your boat to drift and may lead to unnecessary search and rescue calls.

• Check all of your anchor and mooring lines. Double the lines up for added strength. Ensure all lines and tackle are in good condition.

• Small boats should be removed from the water and moved to a secure location well above tidal and flood areas to ensure they are not washed out to sea.

• Cover your boat: Heavy rains can flood boats and even cause sinking in extreme cases. Protect your boat and be sure your vessel is adequately covered when it is moored up to prevent flooding. If you can't bring your boat onto shore, make sure it is securely fastened to its dock. Vessels that break free from their moorings can become a hazard to navigation and endanger the lives of those who must retrieve them.

• Ensure boat registration numbers are updated with correct owner information. Consider keeping owner contact information on vessel itself. With this information, agencies responding to adrift vessels can promptly return the vessel to its owner.

• Wear Personal Floatation Devices: Life jackets - bring one for each person. History has shown that the chance of survival greatly increaes if an individual is wearing a personal floatation device. For more information on life jacket requirements visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/command/initiative/jacket.htm

• Check river bar conditions before departing. Boaters should check closure information and current bar restrictions by contacting your local Coast Guard unit. http://www.uscg.mil/d13/bar/default.asp

• Exercise extreme caution on beaches and jetties: Sudden, powerful waves can engulf the entire beach, knocking people down or throwing them violently against nearby rocks. Once in the water, strong currents can pull people out to sea. Beachgoers should also stay away from driftwood floating in the water or resting on shore. Logs can weigh several tons and can quickly be picked up by an unexpected wave and tossed onto people. Jetties are also dangerous due to unstable surfaces and slippery conditions. Large gaps in jetty structures can also trap people who slip and fall while walking on the rocks. Be aware of rising tides - high tides can trap people on rock formations and in coves. Always let someone know where you are going, walk with a buddy and be weather and surf aware.

• Have a Marine Radio: Investing in a good VHF radio is a smart purchase. Cell phones should not be used as a primary means of emergency communication on the water where reception may be poor or unavailable. A VHF radio has a strong signal and distress calls are received by everyone monitoring a VHF radio in range, whereas cell phone communications are point-to-point. Use VHF Channel 16 for emergencies.

• For more in-depth information about radios and terminology visit the link below. http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/metlife/radio.htm

• Float Plan: A float plan is a written statement of the details of an intended voyage usually filed with a friend, neighbor and/or marina operator or; a document that specifically describes the vessel, equipment, crew, and itinerary of a planned voyage. Leave a copy with a friend, relative or local marina before heading out on the water. If a vessel has an emergency or is overdue, pertinent information will be available to provide local marine police or the Coast Guard. If delayed, boaters should inform those with the float plan, and be sure to notify them upon returning so the float plan can be "closed out" and an unnecessary and costly search avoided. An example of a float plan can be found at http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/floatplan.pdf.

• Minimize contact with flood water - Standing water from flooding can carry diseases and hazardous chemicals. If you get your water from a well and water floods into your pump house - check to see if water from the ground went down your well. If so, or if you're not sure, boil your water before using it for drinking or cooking for yourself or your pets. If water floods your septic system, minimize your use of water for washing and wait for the water level to drop. If you come in contact with standing water, wash carefully before you eat or drink.

• Assemble a disaster preparedness kit - a good disaster kit should include: a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and a can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, protective clothing, rain gear, and bedding or sleeping bags, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries, special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members, written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so (remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

• Stay high and dry - move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades, they are there for your safety. If your car stalls in rapidly rising wters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.

• Check Local Weather Forecasts: Be aware that storms can come up quickly and several are forecast this week. Always check local weather conditions and forecasts before heading out. If you must go out, monitor current forecasts, warnings and conditions via National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio. There are 14 NOAA Weather Radio stations broadcasting along the Oregon and Washington coasts.