Weather or Not: The Ides of March
Tuesday, Mar. 15th – Lincoln County
Summary: Highly unstable and cool atmospheric conditions led to some hefty showers yesterday, generated a waterspout off Seal Rock, and produced occasionally gusty winds reaching 40 mph. Rainfall totals were between a third and a half inch, and high temperatures climbed into the low-50s. A few sunbreaks brought ephemeral cheer, but the overcast thickened again shortly after sunset. A passive front arrived overnight and steady rain began around 3:00am. At dawn, it was cloudy with rain and a light southeast wind.
Newport Airport Conditions…
Ceiling: scattered @ 1,000′ & 1,500′, broken @ 3,300′
Visibility: 10 miles/Wind: SE 6 mph/Pressure: 30.07”
Past 24 Hours High/Low/Gust/Rain…
Lincoln City: 53F/45F/40mph/0.35”
Depoe Bay: 51F/42F/41mph/0.26”
Newport: 50F/53F/33mph/0.29”
Waldport: 51F/44F/37mph/0.51”
Yachats: 51F/44F/40mph/0.48”
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Forecast: The Ides of March marks a turning point for us, albeit not nearly as severe as it did for Julius Caesar. 
This should be the last day for a while with measurable rain as showers continue along with light sou’westers and a high of 50-55F. Lingering showers tonight, low of 45F. Tomorrow, decreasing clouds, periods of sunshine and warmer as the mercury heads for 55-60F. Outlook is for mostly clear skies Thursday and Friday, highs 60F or better, lows of 45-50F, and light east winds, then back to the some old, same old, as rain develops again over the weekend and lasts into Monday.
Travel: In the Coast Range this morning, there’s wet pavement and 40F in the passes; showers today, temperatures 45-50F. Willamette Valley destinations are expecting showers, the thermometer rising to 50-55F. The Columbia River Gorge forecast calls for showers, light west winds, high of 50F. For the Cascades, highways have packed snow and it’s snowing hard this morning, temps are 25-30F, chains or traction tires are required on all passes; snow showers today with an additional 1-5 inches of snow accumulation down to 2,500 feet.
Call or email George today!
Marine: SW winds are 10-15 knots with seas 11-12 feet at 14 seconds this morning. A Small Craft Advisory 
for hazardous seas remains in effect through this evening. Winds fading to SW 5-10 knots this afternoon and seas holding at about 12 feet. Tonight, S winds 5-10 knots gusting 15, swells subsiding to 9 feet at 12 seconds. NE winds are expected tomorrow, 10-15 knots, with swells down to 7 feet. Outlook is for NE winds rising to 20-25 knots Thursday, swells 5 feet, then back to southerlies 15-25 knots Friday and Saturday with swells 6-8 feet. Always check the latest Bar Reports before you venture offshore.
On the Beach… Showers, moderate breeze, surf 8-10 feet (moderate).
* For a safe and enjoyable time on the Central Coast, the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department offers these Beach Safety Tips.
* Tides
03/15 Tue 12:42 PM 0.54 L
03/15 Tue 07:20 PM 6.43 H
03/16 Wed 12:35 AM 3.39 L
03/16 Wed 06:55 AM 8.03 H
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In Short: Showers, drying and warming, then rainy again.
