Wind Storm, High Surf, Heavy Rain, and Potential Flooding

South Bend, Washington – The Pacific County Emergency Management Agency (PCEMA) office participated in a weather briefing this afternoon with the National Weather Service (NWS), Portland office. The wind storm that has hit southwest Washington will continue for the next 12-18 hours with the strongest winds expected between 7:00 p.m. and midnight tonight. Sustained winds of 35-50 mph and gusts up to 75 mph are expected. However, on the open beaches and headlands, sustained winds of 50-60 mph with gusts up to 90 mph are likely. During the storm, large seas will make for dangerous beach conditions with waves pummeling the surf zone which will only be exacerbated by the prominence of the enhanced lunar tidal cycle. Seas are projected to reach 23-27 feet. Minor tidal overflow is expected to occur along low lying portions of the southwest Washington through Tuesday. The greatest possibility of tidal overflow will be in and around the City of Raymond during high tide around 1:00 p.m. Tuesday. Two to four inches of rain are possible in the Willapa Hills Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. Rivers of most concern for minor flooding include the Willapa and the Naselle. The Willapa River is expected to approach flood stage and the Naselle River is anticipated to reach bank full. The NWS has issued: · A high wind warning in effect until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday for southwest Washington · A high surf advisory in effect until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday for the south Washington coast · A coastal flood advisory in effect until noon Tuesday for low lying portions of southwest Washington · A flood watch in effect through Tuesday evening for the south Washington coast The NWS also notified the PCEMA office that another potential storm may develop Wednesday night and Thursday, November 18th-19th. It is expected to look much like the storm we are experiencing now. Stay tuned this week for more information on this weather system.Precautionary/Preparedness actions: A high wind warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage. Winds may gust close to 90 mph along the immediate coastal headlands and beaches tonight and speeds near these values can cause power outages and downed trees. A high surf advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. A coastal flood advisory indicates that onshore winds and tides will combine to generate flooding of low areas along the shore. A flood watch means there is potential for river flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. For the most up to date weather information from the NWS please visit http://www.weather.gov/portland. This page brings up all advisories, watches, and warnings for the southwest Washington area.