Showing posts with label Oregon Coast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oregon Coast. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Message from US Fish and Wildlife service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would also like to remind the public that all of the rocks, reefs and island along the Oregon coast are included within the National Wildlife Refuge System and they are closed to public access to protect seabirds and pinnipeds (seals & sea lions). The public should never go ashore or climb on these and we request the boats voluntarily remain 500' away from the rocks and aircraft maintain a 2000' clearance over them or a 1/2 mile lateral distance. More information on the National Wildlife Refuges on the Oregon coast can be found at http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/ or by contacting this office.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
What’s Shaking at the Oregon Coast?
Sponsored by the Oregon Red Cross and the Oregon
Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.
Contact James Roddey for more information at
971.673.1543 or james.roddey@state.or.us.
Join award winning author and educator James Roddey for a series of eye-opening presentations all about getting ready for "The Big One!" At each talk there will be an emergency gear give-away and you'll also learn why elephants might make the best tsunami warning system ever... and it’s all free!
James Roddey, a.k.a.
The Prophet of Doom
Tuesday, July 5 , 6:30 PM - Yachats Commons
Wednesday, July 6, 6:30 PM - Florence Events Ctr.
Thurs., July 7, 6:30 PM Reedsport Pacific Auditorium
Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.
Contact James Roddey for more information at
971.673.1543 or james.roddey@state.or.us.
Join award winning author and educator James Roddey for a series of eye-opening presentations all about getting ready for "The Big One!" At each talk there will be an emergency gear give-away and you'll also learn why elephants might make the best tsunami warning system ever... and it’s all free!
James Roddey, a.k.a.
The Prophet of Doom
Tuesday, July 5 , 6:30 PM - Yachats Commons
Wednesday, July 6, 6:30 PM - Florence Events Ctr.
Thurs., July 7, 6:30 PM Reedsport Pacific Auditorium
Friday, May 13, 2011
Tsunami Evacuation Drills at the Oregon coast beginning next week!
May 13, 2011
Portland, Oregon: As part of the ongoing Tsunami Outreach Oregon education and awareness program administered by the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) and Oregon Emergency Management (OEM), several coastal communities will be holding tsunami evacuation drills in the next 2 weeks.
The coastal communities of Pacific City and Neskowin and surrounding communities will be holding a voluntary Tsunami Evacuation Drill Tuesday, May 17, beginning at 10 AM. For more information on this drill, please contact Fire Captain Jim Kusz at (541) 407-0801.
Gold Beach, Port Orford and surrounding communities will be holding voluntary Tsunami Evacuation Drills Thursday, May 19, beginning at 10 AM. For more information on these drills contact South Coast Tsunami Outreach Coordinator Dave Lacey at (541) 373-0487 or Don Kendall, Curry County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Services Coordinator at (541) 247-3208.
On May 25 at 10 AM, the City Of Warrenton, nearby unincorporated areas, and Warrenton area schools will hold their voluntary Tsunami Evacuation Drill. For more information on this drill contact North Coast Tsunami Outreach Coordinator Patrick Wingard at (503) 717-3995.
The community wide drills in Pacific City, Gold Beach and Port Orford will also incorporate an aircraft broadcasting a message about the drill using an airborne public address system developed by Guardians From Above and the Power Sonix Corporation. This same type of airborne public address system has been used in search and rescue efforts by the Civil Air Patrol throughout the region and has been demonstrated in tsunami drills as an additional method of alerting coastal residents of a distant tsunami warning issued by the National Weather Service where sirens have limited coverage.
Read the complete news release in the attached PDF or go online at: http://www.OregonGeology.org
Portland, Oregon: As part of the ongoing Tsunami Outreach Oregon education and awareness program administered by the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) and Oregon Emergency Management (OEM), several coastal communities will be holding tsunami evacuation drills in the next 2 weeks.
The coastal communities of Pacific City and Neskowin and surrounding communities will be holding a voluntary Tsunami Evacuation Drill Tuesday, May 17, beginning at 10 AM. For more information on this drill, please contact Fire Captain Jim Kusz at (541) 407-0801.
Gold Beach, Port Orford and surrounding communities will be holding voluntary Tsunami Evacuation Drills Thursday, May 19, beginning at 10 AM. For more information on these drills contact South Coast Tsunami Outreach Coordinator Dave Lacey at (541) 373-0487 or Don Kendall, Curry County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Services Coordinator at (541) 247-3208.
On May 25 at 10 AM, the City Of Warrenton, nearby unincorporated areas, and Warrenton area schools will hold their voluntary Tsunami Evacuation Drill. For more information on this drill contact North Coast Tsunami Outreach Coordinator Patrick Wingard at (503) 717-3995.
The community wide drills in Pacific City, Gold Beach and Port Orford will also incorporate an aircraft broadcasting a message about the drill using an airborne public address system developed by Guardians From Above and the Power Sonix Corporation. This same type of airborne public address system has been used in search and rescue efforts by the Civil Air Patrol throughout the region and has been demonstrated in tsunami drills as an additional method of alerting coastal residents of a distant tsunami warning issued by the National Weather Service where sirens have limited coverage.
Read the complete news release in the attached PDF or go online at: http://www.OregonGeology.org
Friday, June 25, 2010
OREGON SEISMIC GRANT FUNDING ROUND 2
NEWS RELEASE
June 25, 2010
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jennifer Bailey,
OEM Public Affairs Coordinator
503-750-8308
503-378-2911 Ext. 22294
Applications taken July 15 - Oct. 15
SALEM, Ore – Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) announced today that grants are again being made available for eligible applicants for seismic rehabilitation projects. Grant applications will be accepted effective July 15 through October 15, 2010. Information regarding eligibility and grant information can be located on OEM’s website: http://www.oregon.go/OMD/OEM/index.shtml.
In round 1, fourteen public education buildings and eleven emergency services facilities were awarded funds totaling $15 million dollars. The Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (SRGP) provides reimbursement funds to strengthen public school and emergency service buildings to ensure the safety of students and staff in the event of an earthquake and allow emergency service facilities to remain functional.
Senate President Peter Courtney has been instrumental in sponsoring legislation to provide the means to begin these projects. Approximately $30 million included in the 2009-11 Governor’s Recommended Budget to fund this program received approval by the Legislative Assembly during the 2009 Legislative Session.
“This shows that we take our responsibility to keep Oregonians as safe as possible seriously”, Senator Peter Courtney said. “I am very happy to see this program moving forward.”
A 2007 report from Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shows over 1,000 school and emergency services buildings at high or very high risk for collapse during an earthquake such as the predicted Cascadia Subduction Zone quake off the Oregon Coast. A quake that size would result in damage at approximately $12 billion in property damage and nearly 1,000 deaths in the region, which includes Yamhill, Marion, Polk, Benton, Linn, and Lane Counties.
###
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
High Wind Warning on Thursday for Southern Oregon Coast
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the Southern Oregon coast from Florence to Brookings.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEDFORD HAS ISSUED A HIGH WINDWARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 10 PM PST THURSDAY. THEHIGH WIND WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.*
TIMING: THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH EVENING. THE HIGHEST WINDS ARE LIKELY DURING THE AFTERNOON TO EARLY EVENING HOURS.*
WINDS: SOUTH WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 35 TO 40 MPH WITH POSSIBLE GUSTS 55 TO 65 MPH. THE MAIN THREAT AREA IS FROM AROUND GOLD BEACH TO PORT ORFORD AND CAPE BLANCO. THE WINDS WILL TAPER BY LATE TOMORROW NIGHT.
The High Wind Watch from Florence to Astoria remains in effect.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEDFORD HAS ISSUED A HIGH WINDWARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 10 PM PST THURSDAY. THEHIGH WIND WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.*
TIMING: THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH EVENING. THE HIGHEST WINDS ARE LIKELY DURING THE AFTERNOON TO EARLY EVENING HOURS.*
WINDS: SOUTH WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 35 TO 40 MPH WITH POSSIBLE GUSTS 55 TO 65 MPH. THE MAIN THREAT AREA IS FROM AROUND GOLD BEACH TO PORT ORFORD AND CAPE BLANCO. THE WINDS WILL TAPER BY LATE TOMORROW NIGHT.
The High Wind Watch from Florence to Astoria remains in effect.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Weird Mix of Weather After Oregon Coast Storm, More Warnings
Flooding just south of Seaside is expected to subside by Wednesday morning.
(Oregon Coast) - Monday's storm unloaded plenty of statistics on the Oregon coast, but it left a strange set of conditions afterwards to spectacular results of varying degrees. The central coast reported a beautiful sunset Tuesday afternoon, while the north coast saw everything from a downpour of rain, a sky thick with stars, and then even thunder and lightning.
Meanwhile, another storm system is poised to bring a smaller volley of wind gusts Wednesday to the coast, and a wind watch has been changed to a wind warning.
After raining most of the day Tuesday, the skies around Manzanita became unusually clear, revealing a sea of stars above the raging ocean about 8 p.m. Then, perhaps and hour later, thunder rolled through the area, as massive flashes of lightning could be seen in the east and north periodically.
All kinds of damage was reported on the north coast during the storm, from Astoria down to at least Oceanside, but the central coast seemed to be spared any destruction or too much excitement. Gusts of around 90 to 95 mph were reported in places like Cape Foulweather near Depoe Bay, Garibaldi and Waldport.
But on the north coast, flooding stranded motorists coming to and from Seaside, trees were knocked down and the roof of the old courthouse in Seaside was torn off and strewn around the street.
During the storm, electricity went out in several places in Clatsop and Tillamook Counties periodically throughout the day, but over 2,700 people were without power for almost 24 hours in Cannon Beach.
Power came back on around 3 p.m. Tuesday to most in town, but that didn’t save shops and restaurants from being closed the whole day. As of 6 p.m., only a handful of businesses were open, including two restaurants and one store.
A sign on the Lumberyard Restaurant told the story of all but two Cannon Beach eateries that day: “Closed due to power outage.”
As of 5:30 p.m., the road just south of Seaside was still substantially flooded, although most cars were able to get through. ODOT workers at the scene said the water had gone down eight inches on Tuesday, and they expected it to be clear by morning.
The Sea Horse Motel in Lincoln City reported occasional big gusts around 11 p.m. Monday night, but otherwise it was a “typical storm,” they said. There have so far been no reports of flooding on the central coast.
Angi Wildt, with Depoe Bay Winery, reveled in the madness.
“Last night I went for a walk at Beverly Beach,” Wildt said. “There was a layer of sand blowing above the wet sand and it was fun and invigorating to lean my back into the wind and have it hold me up. We've enjoyed blue skies today and the sunset is beautiful.”
Sarah MacDonald, who owns Sea Sweet Vacation Rentals in Oceanside, said she missed most of it, as she was flying home from Maui.
“It was pretty darn rocky,” she said. “Came home over the Wilson River Highway and thought: ‘What the heck hit the coast?’ Debris everywhere. Got home, woke up this morning and checked the rentals, and the neighbors had siding blown off. The wind must have hit pretty darn hard. I guess we were in the last of it, but it was over by the time we arrived home.”
In Pacific City, Kiwanda Coastal Properties owner Nicole Twigg noticed something odd during the windy melee.
“I really wish I would have taken a picture of my neighbor washing his car yesterday in full rain gear when the wind was really starting to pick up,” she said. “Of all days, he was thinking he’d better get out there and wash it.”
Garibaldi saw gusts around 90 mph on Monday night.
But the fun isn’t over for the north coast.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a high wind for Wednesday, as another system of storms is expected to kick in. That was changed to a wind warning, and extended from Wednesday through to early Thursday.
“The first in a series of storms will begin to affect the south Washington coast and north Oregon coast on Wednesday afternoon,” the NWS said in a bulletin. “Winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph will begin to affect the coast by mid afternoon. Winds will then increase to 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 70 mph in the evening.”
The NWS said they expect winds to continue on into Thursday.
(Oregon Coast) - Monday's storm unloaded plenty of statistics on the Oregon coast, but it left a strange set of conditions afterwards to spectacular results of varying degrees. The central coast reported a beautiful sunset Tuesday afternoon, while the north coast saw everything from a downpour of rain, a sky thick with stars, and then even thunder and lightning.
Meanwhile, another storm system is poised to bring a smaller volley of wind gusts Wednesday to the coast, and a wind watch has been changed to a wind warning.
After raining most of the day Tuesday, the skies around Manzanita became unusually clear, revealing a sea of stars above the raging ocean about 8 p.m. Then, perhaps and hour later, thunder rolled through the area, as massive flashes of lightning could be seen in the east and north periodically.
All kinds of damage was reported on the north coast during the storm, from Astoria down to at least Oceanside, but the central coast seemed to be spared any destruction or too much excitement. Gusts of around 90 to 95 mph were reported in places like Cape Foulweather near Depoe Bay, Garibaldi and Waldport.
But on the north coast, flooding stranded motorists coming to and from Seaside, trees were knocked down and the roof of the old courthouse in Seaside was torn off and strewn around the street.
During the storm, electricity went out in several places in Clatsop and Tillamook Counties periodically throughout the day, but over 2,700 people were without power for almost 24 hours in Cannon Beach.
Power came back on around 3 p.m. Tuesday to most in town, but that didn’t save shops and restaurants from being closed the whole day. As of 6 p.m., only a handful of businesses were open, including two restaurants and one store.
A sign on the Lumberyard Restaurant told the story of all but two Cannon Beach eateries that day: “Closed due to power outage.”
As of 5:30 p.m., the road just south of Seaside was still substantially flooded, although most cars were able to get through. ODOT workers at the scene said the water had gone down eight inches on Tuesday, and they expected it to be clear by morning.
The Sea Horse Motel in Lincoln City reported occasional big gusts around 11 p.m. Monday night, but otherwise it was a “typical storm,” they said. There have so far been no reports of flooding on the central coast.
Angi Wildt, with Depoe Bay Winery, reveled in the madness.
“Last night I went for a walk at Beverly Beach,” Wildt said. “There was a layer of sand blowing above the wet sand and it was fun and invigorating to lean my back into the wind and have it hold me up. We've enjoyed blue skies today and the sunset is beautiful.”
Sarah MacDonald, who owns Sea Sweet Vacation Rentals in Oceanside, said she missed most of it, as she was flying home from Maui.
“It was pretty darn rocky,” she said. “Came home over the Wilson River Highway and thought: ‘What the heck hit the coast?’ Debris everywhere. Got home, woke up this morning and checked the rentals, and the neighbors had siding blown off. The wind must have hit pretty darn hard. I guess we were in the last of it, but it was over by the time we arrived home.”
In Pacific City, Kiwanda Coastal Properties owner Nicole Twigg noticed something odd during the windy melee.
“I really wish I would have taken a picture of my neighbor washing his car yesterday in full rain gear when the wind was really starting to pick up,” she said. “Of all days, he was thinking he’d better get out there and wash it.”
Garibaldi saw gusts around 90 mph on Monday night.
But the fun isn’t over for the north coast.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a high wind for Wednesday, as another system of storms is expected to kick in. That was changed to a wind warning, and extended from Wednesday through to early Thursday.
“The first in a series of storms will begin to affect the south Washington coast and north Oregon coast on Wednesday afternoon,” the NWS said in a bulletin. “Winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph will begin to affect the coast by mid afternoon. Winds will then increase to 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 70 mph in the evening.”
The NWS said they expect winds to continue on into Thursday.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Elevated Weather Alerts for Oregon
Today the National Weather Service has elevated the weather alerts for the incoming storm. There are more than a dozen alerts, and you can see them at http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/or.php?x=1
Here are the highlights:
▪ Surf advisory with breaker heights as high as 25-28 feet. Storm surge combined with the near-maximum lunar high tide will cause beach erosion and riptides farther inland then normal.
▪ Coastal winds 45-55MPH with gusts up to 85 MPH. Winds have already been reported to 80+MPH in certain areas.
▪ Inland winds are expected to be 25-35 MPH with gusts up to 45 MPH.
▪ Rainfall of 3-5 inches in northwest Oregon near the Willapa hills and North Oregon Coast Range.
▪ The Nehalem River is under flood watch, as well as urban streams in the northwest corner of Oregon.
▪ Oregon Coast is under flood watch due to heavy rains
Here are the highlights:
▪ Surf advisory with breaker heights as high as 25-28 feet. Storm surge combined with the near-maximum lunar high tide will cause beach erosion and riptides farther inland then normal.
▪ Coastal winds 45-55MPH with gusts up to 85 MPH. Winds have already been reported to 80+MPH in certain areas.
▪ Inland winds are expected to be 25-35 MPH with gusts up to 45 MPH.
▪ Rainfall of 3-5 inches in northwest Oregon near the Willapa hills and North Oregon Coast Range.
▪ The Nehalem River is under flood watch, as well as urban streams in the northwest corner of Oregon.
▪ Oregon Coast is under flood watch due to heavy rains
Friday, November 6, 2009
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.
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.
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