- An atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to northwest Oregon from November 3 to November 8.
- The National Weather Service warns of potential coastal and ocean flooding, with high tides possibly affecting parts of Highway 101.
- Wind gusts could reach up to 55 mph on the coast, potentially causing tree damage and power outages.
Another atmospheric river could hit northwest Oregon this week, bringing “moderate to heavy rainfall,” along with wind, the National Weather Service predicted.
NWS said northwest Oregon will see windy days from Nov. 3 to Nov. 8, with the highest wind speeds Nov. 5 and 6. Winds will be highest on the coast and in the Columbia Gorge.
NWS also predicted heavy rain across the northwest Oregon region on Nov. 6. NWS said there most likely won’t be “widespread” river flooding, but water likely will pool on roads, and drivers should be careful to avoid hydroplaning and car accidents.
Most rivers have less than a 10% chance of flooding, with two exceptions. NWS said Grays River near Roseburg and Wilson River near Tillamook both have 20% chances of flooding Nov. 6 and 7.
Coastal flooding, wind likely
NWS also warned the potential for ocean flooding is greater than 90%. NWS predicted on the north coast (Tillamook and Clatsop counties in Oregon and Pacific County in Washington) high tides would reach up to 1 foot above ground level at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 5.
These high tides will flood portions of Highway 101 near Seaside, Oregon, and Raymond, Washington, as well as Fraser Road near Tillamook.
Wind gusts are likely. NWS said winds will peak between 30 to 40 mph inland, but get up to 50 to 55 mph at the coast. Winds this speed could damage trees and cause isolated power outages, NWS said.
NWS predicted a 5%-20% chance of winds over 45 miles per hour inland, and a 20%-40% chance winds reach over 55 miles per hour at the coast. Winds of this speed could cause more “widespread” power outages, NWS said.
NWS’ Medford office predicted similar high winds along the southern Oregon coast.
NWS also warned of the threat of “sneaker waves” Nov. 3 and 6. Sneaker waves are waves that run up higher than normal and can suddenly knock people off their feet and quickly pull them into the ocean, which may lead to serious injury or drowning.
If you’re near the beach on these days, NWS said to avoid turning your back on the ocean and avoid jetties and logs near the waterline.
Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached over email at atorres@registerguard.com, on X @alanfryetorres or on Reddit at u/AlfrytRG.
