Saturday, October 10, 2015

An Early October Storm

 

October-storm

The Pacific Ocean breaking against the jetty

 

Every morning I read the weather forecast issued for our area by the National Weather Service.  Today’s forecast included the following special weather statement: 
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
1208 PM PDT SAT OCT 10 2015

...HAZARDOUS BEACH CONDITIONS ALONG THE SOUTH WASHINGTON AND NORTH
AND CENTRAL OREGON COASTS TODAY...
...WINDY CONDITIONS ON THE SOUTH WASHINGTON AND NORTH AND CENTRAL
OREGON COASTS TODAY...

A LARGE SOUTHWEST SWELL CONTINUES TO BUILD ALONG THE COAST THIS
MORNING...AND IS EXPECTED TO PEAK AROUND 15 FEET ON TODAY. THIS
BRINGS THE POTENTIAL FOR LARGE WAVES TO BREAK OVER AREA JETTIES
WITH A SIGNIFICANT SURF TO IMPACT SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST FACING
BEACHES. THESE WAVES MAY RESULT IN BEACH EROSION FOR AREAS THAT DO
NOT COMMONLY SEE IMPACT FROM INCOMING WAVES. VISITORS TO THE COAST
SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION AT AREA BEACHES AND REMAIN OFF JETTIES AND
OUT OF THE SURF ZONE...AS BREAKING WAVES CAN SWEEP PEOPLE INTO THE
WATER.


The high tide was predicted for just afternoon so I took a drive to the beach to see how the waves were developing.  When I arrived, the gusting winds made it difficult to keep my hat on, but the rain had subsided.  I climbed to the top of the South Jetty viewing platform and enjoyed the sights with several other hardy “storm watchers”.  The ocean waters were definitely angry but the waves were not exactly what I had expected.  On the other hand, I was very thankful to not be sailing in a small boat today!

3 comments:

Earl said...

I really like this photo, Steve...the b&w sepia toning works really well for this and the photo clearly transmits the feeling of the strength of the storm. Nice work and I'm glad you wasn't out on a small boat as well. :-)

monstev said...

I, also like this image. And, I also would not like to be on water with waves like that. I'll watch from shore, thank you.

Steve Skinner said...

I'm with you Monte!