The National Weather Service has issued “urgent” warnings for hazardous winds off the Oregon coast and possible sneaker waves on the shore Monday morning.
The forecasters predicted “large energetic waves arriving before dawn Monday will bring an increased risk of sneaker waves” from Florence north to Cape Shoalwater near Willapa Bay in Washington.
Sneaker waves are waves that run significantly further up the beach than the others. They can be deadly, sweeping the unaware out to sea.
Gale warnings remain in effect until 8 a.m. Monday. Offshore, winds will blow at 20-30 knots with gusts up to 35 knots. Swells in the ocean will grow as high as 14-19 feet, according to the warnings. Weather Service advisories warned mariners to “remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course and secure the vessel for severe conditions.”
