Weather or Not: Drops in the Bucket
Friday, Dec. 2nd – Lincoln County
Summary: The first drops of rain went into December’s bucket yesterday with just a couple hundredths of an inch recorded. Nevertheless, we started chipping away at the average 11.36” for the month. Winds were light, a few sunbreaks broke up the overcast and the mercury reached seasonal highs in the low-50s, except for chilly Depoe Bay where the peak was 49F. A couple of short periods of light rain and drizzle came through overnight and temps sagged to the low-40s. This morning, a few sucker holes dotted the sky with blue and what little wind there was wafted lightly out of east.
Newport Airport Conditions…
Ceiling: unlimited
Visibility: 10 miles/Wind: calm/Pressure: 30.37”
Past 24 Hours High/Low/Rain…
Lincoln City: 53F/44F/0.02”
Depoe Bay: 49F/40F/0.03”
Newport: 50F/41F/~0.01”
Waldport: 52F/42F/0.01”
Yachats: 52F/42F/0.01”
A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued by the National Weather Service for all of Northwest Oregon except the coastal strip. The cold front expected Sunday afternoon will bring snow levels down to 1,500 feet or below with moderate to heavy snow in the Cascades and several inches of accumulation in the Coast Range (where passes are generally less than 1,000 feet). Snow accumulation is less likely below 1,500 feet with little or no accumulation below 500 feet. Those who are planning outdoor activities or are going to be transiting Cascade and/or Coast Range highway passes should pay close attention to the latest forecasts.
Forecast: We’ll continue adding to the December precipitation total today with another tenth of an inch as rain returns along with southerly winds gusting 20 mph and a high of 50F. Tonight, the rain slowly subsides, lows around 45F. A break for
some showers tomorrow morning but steady rain developing after dark, thermometer readings in the low-50s. Outlook is for rain Saturday night and Sunday with an inch or so, showers Monday, showers and partly sunny Tuesday, a chance of rain and snow showers Wednesday (little or no snow accumulation expected), then rain likely and breezy on Thursday. Cooler, with highs of 45F and lows of 35F until late in the week.
NOTE: Be sure to follow Weather or Not’s Twitter feed to keep updated on Winter’s active and rapidly changing weather; you’ll get immediate notification of any advisories, watches or warnings. Follow @chrisburnswx.
Travel: In the Coast Range this morning, there’s damp pavement and 35-40F in the passes; areas of fog, rain developing today, high temperature 40-45F. Willamette Valley destinations are expecting areas of fog, rain likely, the thermometer rising to 45-50F. The Columbia River Gorge forecast calls for rain, east winds 10-15 mph, high of 40F. For the Cascades, highways have packed snow this morning, temps near 25F, carry chains or use traction tires over the passes. Rain and snow today, snow accumulation up to 1 inch, the snow level rising from 3,500 feet to 4,500 feet. Outlook for weekend travelers is wet through Sunday night at the lower elevations, but snow in the mountains by late Sunday. * Motorists should always visit ODOT’s TripCheck before hitting the road.
Marine: Seas have come down to 8-9 feet at 11 seconds this morning with southerly winds 10-20 knots, strongest out 
past 10 miles. A Small Craft Advisory for hazardous seas is in effect through Tuesday. A Small Craft Advisory for winds is in effect today and this evening. S winds 10-20 knots gusting 30 today, swells 10 feet at 12 seconds. Tonight, the breeze eases to W 10-15 knots by midnight but seas will build from 12 feet to 16 feet at 13 seconds. W winds continue tomorrow at 10-15 knots, swells 16-19 feet at 17 seconds. Outlook is for NW winds 20-25 knots Sunday and Monday, E winds 10-15 knots Tuesday, swells around 13 feet throughout the extended period. * Make sure you check the latest Bar Reports before venturing offshore.
Notices to Mariners… Yaquina Bay South Jetty Light 4 has been reported as currently extinguished. Also, Heceta Head Lighthouse has been off and on recently dues to power problems.
On the Beach… Rain, breezy, 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
12/02 Fri 07:26 AM 3.77 L
12/02 Fri 01:19 PM 8.50 H
12/02 Fri 08:06 PM -0.19 L
12/03 Sat 02:57 AM 7.45 H
In Short: Rain, showers, moderate winds, then unsettled and cooler.