High Surf Advisory

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
201 PM PST WED DEC 16 2009
ORZ001-002-170615-
/O.CON.KPQR.SU.Y.0011.091217T0200Z-091217T2000Z/
NORTH OREGON COAST-CENTRAL OREGON COAST-
201 PM PST WED DEC 16 2009
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
NOON PST THURSDAY...
A HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
NOON PST THURSDAY.
A STRONG STORM SYSTEM MOVING INTO BRITISH COLUMBIA TODAY IS
PUSHING A VIGOROUS FRONTAL SYSTEM ONSHORE INTO WASHINGTON AND
OREGON THIS AFTERNOON. STRONG WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STORM AND
FRONTAL SYSTEM ARE CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT SWELL TO DEVELOP
OFFSHORE...WHICH IS BEGINNING TO IMPACT THE COAST THIS AFTERNOON
AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING.
WEST TO SOUTHWEST SWELL OF 15 FEET IS ALREADY BEING REPORTED BY
THE COASTAL BUOYS THIS AFTERNOON. THIS SWELL WILL BUILD TO 17 TO
19 FEET OVERNIGHT TONIGHT...AND IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN 17 TO 19
FEET THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING. THE LARGE SWELL WILL CAUSE HAZARDOUS
CONDITIONS IN AND NEAR THE SURF ZONE...SO BEACHGOERS SHOULD USE
EXTREME CAUTION IF VENTURING NEAR THE WATER. THE SWELL IS EXPECTED
TO GRADUALLY SUBSIDE THURSDAY AFTERNOON.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A HIGH SURF ADVISORY MEANS THAT HIGH SURF WILL AFFECT BEACHES IN
THE ADVISORY AREA...PRODUCING RIP CURRENTS AND LOCALIZED BEACH
EROSION.
IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS TO VENTURE NEAR THE COAST UNDER HIGH
SURF CONDITIONS. PEOPLE AT TIMES ARE SWEPT OFF ROCKS AND JETTIES
AND DROWN WHILE OBSERVING HIGH SURF. STAY WELL BACK FROM THE
WATERS EDGE AND BE ALERT FOR THE EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH WAVE

Prepare Now For Winter Storms - from the Red Cross

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon is prone to winter storms, and the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross urges residents to take steps now to stay safer when severe weather threatens.


"By preparing together for winter storms, we can make our families safer and our communities stronger," Eric Corliss, Director of Emergency Services said. "We can help you and your family create a disaster preparedness plan now, before our communities are threatened by dangerously low temperatures, snow, ice and strong winds."


As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by:

Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit:

Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing. Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.


Heeding Storm Warnings:

A winter storm WATCH means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio or television stations. A winter storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately.


Preparing Your Home and Car:

Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. Make sure your home is properly insulated by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Running water, even at a trickle, helps to prevent pipes from freezing.

For more winter storm safety tips, visit www.oregonredcross.org/winter. A free online preparedness course is also available at www.oregonredcross.org/beredcrossready.