Lincoln County Community Members,

Below is an update on the major storm system expected to affect the Pacific Northwest Sunday through Monday, a weather service term explained, and resources to keep you informed.

What to expect in Lincoln County:

• Periods of rain through Monday.
  • Moderate to heavy rain expected Saturday and Sunday mornings.
• Coastal Flood Warning
  • In effect from 8pm Sunday to 5am Tuesday
  • Major flooding, up to one foot above ground level, during high tides is expected along the immediate coast as well as low lying areas near bays, sloughs, and the lower reaches of the coastal rivers.
  • Large waves and dangerous surf conditions with breakers up to 35 ft are also possible.
  • A Coastal Flood Warning means that flooding is occurring or imminent. Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water, and take appropriate action to protect life and property.
  • If you are driving and become trapped in flood water, abandon the car and move to higher ground only if the surrounding water is not moving. If the water is moving, do not leave the car.
  • Exercise extreme caution along beaches. Unpredictable and destructive waves may wash over beaches, jetties and other structures with no warning. Beach erosion is possible. 
• High surf warning
  • In effect from 8pm Sunday to 5am Tuesday.
  • Large waves and dangerous surf conditions. Breakers up to 35 feet.
  • Higher chance of sneaker waves Sunday and Monday.
  • Destructive waves may wash over beaches, jetties, and other structures unexpectedly. People can be swept off rocks and jetties and drown while observing high surf.
  • Severe beach erosion may destroy coastal properties and buildings.
  • Higher than normal water run-up is expected on beaches and low-lying shoreline.
• High wind watch
  • Strong, gusty winds expected Sunday through Sunday night.
  • South winds 30-45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph near beaches and headlands.
  • Winds may become damaging.
  • Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
  • Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of winds.
• Possibility of scattered thunderstorms late Saturday night through Sunday night.

What does “bomb” mean in weather terms?
A rapidly strengthening storm is often described as a ‘bomb’ due to the pressure building. Because these storms evolve quickly, forecasting details can be challenging. These storms usually stay offshore but can be damaging if they draw closer to land. Continue to monitor local weather alerts for more information.

A full explanation of the term can be found on the National Weather Service Facebook page.

Resources for Staying Informed:

• Current Conditions Webpage– includes several all hazards live resource information
• NOAA Alert Radios – brochure from Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
• OR Alert to access the emergency notification system for your area
• Lincoln County Lincoln Alerts– sign up or update your local profile and subscribe to direct weather alerts to your devices
• Mobile Apps resource sheet – 
• FEMA mobile app
• NWS Mobile Current Conditions site– enter your zip code and bookmark to your mobile device

Other Resources:

• Lincoln County Information Guide – Flooding
• National Flood Insurance Program
• Oregon Wildfire Recovery state webpage

Attachments Courtesy of the National Weather Service:

• Hazardous Sea Graphic
• Bomb Storm Explanation

Regards,

Virginia “Jenny” Demaris
County Emergency Manager