Oregon coast braces for winter storm, warnings issued

CANNON BEACH, Ore. — People living and working up and down the Oregon coast are preparing for a storm that is already bringing strong winds, heavy surf and dangerous tides.

"We have high surf, we have big swells, we've got high tides, especially during the day, that’s going to come up, well up, on the shore and it brings logs with it," said Chief Matt Benedict of Cannon Beach Fire & Rescue.

Some hotels in Cannon Beach alerted guests to avoid the beach Wednesday night as wind, surf and flood advisories were put in place by the National Weather Service.

"This is NOT the time to be on beaches & jetties," the agency tweeted Wednesday.

Still, plenty of brave tourists and storm watchers ventured out to the water's edge.

"I couldn’t believe there were people down right before it got dark -- there are people walking on the sand, that’s crazy!" said Rebecca Tucker, who is visiting Cannon Beach this week.

Keeping an eye on the conditions and any weather alerts could prove to be a lifesaver along the coast, something Benedict wants to emphasize as this storm gains strength.

"Watch all your weather conditions, don’t turn your back on the ocean, that’s the worst thing you can do because a wave will come and they will get you," Benedict said.

KATU Meteorologist Dave Salesky said coastal flooding is a big concern and there will be unusually high tides.