A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect for the South Central Oregon Coast and Curry County Coast from 7 p.m. Thursday through 10 p.m. Friday, and coastal officials want people to take it seriously. Forecasters are warning of a moderate risk of sneaker waves that can surge well past the normal tide line and sweep over rocks and jetties. The advisory stretches from roughly Reedsport south to Brookings, including popular spots such as Bandon and Gold Beach.
The National Weather Service in Medford issued the advisory Thursday afternoon, and the product and its timing were reported by OregonLive. According to OregonLive, the statement was released around 2:08 p.m. Thursday and is valid through Friday night.
"Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off their feet and sweep them into the ocean," the National Weather Service warned, adding that those surges can also move logs and other heavy debris that could crush or trap someone. It is that mix of long-period swell energy and an incoming tide that turns a beach that looks calm one minute into a dangerous spot the next.
Officials are urging people to stay off rocks and jetties, to remain away from the water, and to keep children and pets well back from the surf line. As OregonLive notes, the greatest risk comes on an incoming tide, and beachgoers are urged not to attempt water rescues. Instead, they should call 911 and alert local authorities immediately.
When The Danger Peaks
The National Weather Service said high tides Friday are expected roughly between 2 and 3 a.m. and again around 2 and 3 p.m., windows when sneaker waves are most likely to run far up the beach. For background on this pattern, see earlier coverage in South Coast On High Alert, and check the National Weather Service page for updates.
If you plan to visit the coast this week, give the shoreline a wide berth and enjoy the views from higher ground. Conditions can change quickly, so keep an eye on local forecasts and county alerts until the advisory expires Friday night.
