Coastal Flood Chances for the Northwest Today

news image
Special Stories
18 Jan 2018 11:42 AM
A weather system pushing into the Northwest will not only bring rain and snow chances, but it will also provide strong onshore winds that could contribute to coastal flooding for Washington and Oregon Thursday afternoon and evening.

Next Weather System

Here is the set-up for the flooding chances.  An area of low pressure at the surface and a trough of low pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere will bring strong winds out of the west and southwest Thursday.  These strong winds will create high surf.  The high surf in combination with high tide will result in flooding over low-lying parts of the Northwest coast. Coastal flood warnings have been issued along the coast of Washington and Oregon for the threat of flooding that could lead to life and property damage. Take a look at some of the wave heights that were recorded from buoy data this morning.

Wind Forecast

The winds coming onshore will be much stronger than the winds over land throughout the day.   It's the the direction of these winds that will be a huge factor...directly out of the west and southwest to help force the water and generate coastal flooding conditions.

Impacts

There will be numerous impacts including strong beach erosion and flooding over low-lying areas near the shorelines.  Seawalls and levees will be overtopped by the higher waves and may be damaged as well.   Meteorologist Patrick Crawford    
All Weather News
More
Rounds of Severe Storms to Impact Great Plains and Midwest Through the Weekend

Rounds of Severe Storms to Impact Great Plains and Midwest Through the Weekend

A dynamic summer weather pattern is setting t

11 Jul 2025 3:20 AM
Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Moisture is moving back into the Central and

11 Jul 2025 3:00 AM
Medium Range Tropics Forecast Favors Gulf, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

Medium Range Tropics Forecast Favors Gulf, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

While the Atlantic appears quiet, conditions

11 Jul 2025 2:40 AM
Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across the East Coast

Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across the East Coast

The severe weather and flood threat continues

11 Jul 2025 2:35 AM
Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

TEXAS - Catastrophic flooding devastated port

10 Jul 2025 10:00 AM
Ruidoso Flash Flooding - Record Crest for the Rio Ruidoso River

Ruidoso Flash Flooding - Record Crest for the Rio Ruidoso River

A slow-moving monsoonal thunderstorm develope

10 Jul 2025 1:55 AM
Dangerous Heat Building Out West

Dangerous Heat Building Out West

WEST - Heat alerts have been issued across th

9 Jul 2025 9:00 AM