Be Prepared for Oregon Coast Storm Season
Visiting the Oregon Coast in order to experience a winter storm Oregon style? Are you looking for winter storms Oregon Coast style? With crashing waves and pounding surf? Or are you simply looking for a coastal getaway and are surprised to find a blustery Oregon storm?
We've experienced Oregon Coast storm season all of our lives, and we have you covered. Follow along for the best way to be prepared, and for those avid storm watchers, our tips for the best places on the Oregon Coast to watch storms and where to take great storm photos.
As there are many wonderful places to watch storms along the Oregon Coast, we will focus primarily on the northern Oregon Coast for our guests visiting our Manzanita vacation rentals.
Oregon Coast storm season starts in November and lasts until February. Sometimes it may extend into March.
For avid storm watchers, winter storms Oregon style are in November through January is the prime time to find our famous King Tides, the highest tides of the year and spectacular to watch. The King Tides occur when the orbit of the moon is closest to the earth, which the earth's orbit is closest to the sun. Additionally, the earth, moon and sun all need to be in alignment which effects the tidal gravitational influence on the tides. Check out the Oregon King Tide Project for more information, and enjoy their photos here.
Check out the National Weather Service website for forecasts and advisories.
Sign up for the Nixle alert system for the area you've visiting and find out about the area storm in Oregon. You'll hear of weather advisories, closures, power outages and more. When the 2016 Manzanita tornado touched down, Nixle advisories were received immediately, and new advisories were issued before tornadoes reached other Oregon Coast areas.
Research road conditions using the Oregon Department of Transportation Trip Check map. This site is bookmarked on our phones, and is frequently used during storm and high rain events, and winter snow and ice storms, to plan trips. Stay updated with Oregon Coast weather updates.
Be prepared for outages. Yes, the Oregon Coast is a more rural environment, and downed trees or other incidents often creating power, cable and internet outages. On average, the outages tend not to last long. These nifty websites will keep you updated about local power outages in Clatsop County - Arch Cape and areas north - and Tillamook County for Manzanita and areas south.
Bring your Go Bag. While other areas are prepared for earthquakes, hurricanes, and fires, here on the Coast residents have their Go Bag on hand in case of a big storm or Tsunami. It's always a good idea to travel with a Go Bag, and for winter storms the suggested headlamp or flashlight with batteries always comes in handy.
Stay at an accommodation with a wood burning fireplace.
Astoria Column, Astoria Oregon for the great view of the Pacific where it converges with the mighty Columbia River. Runner up: the Astoria-Megler Bridge for rolling cloud shots.
Tillamook Head between Seaside Oregon and Ecola State Park. Cross your fingers for a terrific shot of waves bashing Terrible Tilly lighthouse.
Oswald West State Park 9.6 miles south of Cannon Beach Oregon. You'll find opportunities for both Coastal and moody Forest shots.
Neahkahnie Mountain viewpoint south of Oswald West State Park and north of Manzanita Oregon.
Cape Kiwanda near Pacific City Oregon. The sandstone rock formations for an incredible contrast during stormy weather.
Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa, Astoria Oregon. Snuggle in luxury while watching the storm show.
Ocean Point Inn & Spa, Arch Cape Oregon. Book an upper level room for even better viewing.
The Houses On Manzanita Beach, Manzanita Oregon. All oceanfront vacation rentals with front seat views to the wonderful Oregon Coast storms.
Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, Pacific City Oregon. Enjoy their hot stone massage after a day of storm watching at nearby Cape Kiwanda.
Enjoy Your Oregon Storm Experience at the Coast!
We enjoy watching storms roll in, and Mother Nature's winter show. One of the best things about the Coast's winter storms? Snuggling under a warm comforter while the wind blow overhead and the waves pound outside.
We mentioned our oceanfront Manzanita vacation rentals, above. All six of our properties are front and center to what we think is the best show on earth - an Oregon Coast storm.
Have a wonderful time!
The Houses On Manzanita Beach
