Fall and Winter Preparedness Planning:

 

A street in Roads End in 2019

It's that time of year when it starts raining, temperatures drop, winds pick up, and storms impact roads, mountain passes, and our electric power reliability. As Fall is just getting started, this is a good time to plan for the events most likely to affect us at the Oregon coast.

Here is a quick reminder, from THIS NOAA Website (program recently defunded), regarding last year's billion dollar impact storm event:

  • Winter Storm, 1/12/2024 - 1/14/2024 - A strong arctic front moved across Western Washington and Oregon on January 12 and 13 dropping temperatures below freezing. This allowed freezing rain to impact areas along the coast and the Willamette Valley northward into southwest Washington. Numerous locations including Springfield and the Portland metro area were affected by the icing and strong winds, which caused significant tree damage and power outages. Numerous homes, businesses, vehicles and other infrastructure were damaged. Click HERE to see a fascinating overview of how the storm unfolded in our neighbor to the north, Clatsop County (Seaside, Astoria, etc).

And, a reminder about the February 2025 winter storm which significantly impacted the Oregon coast with high winds, rough seas, and widespread precipitation. There were strong wind gusts exceeding 45 mph causing localized power outages and rough surf with waves up to 25 feet. Good article HERE to remind us about what's possible on "The Watchers" website!

Aside - check out THIS article from KGW regarding the 2025 La Nina and "The Blob" predicting:

"I think the Northwest will have a stormy winter with above-average mountain snow-pack, and a good chance of valley snow. Long-range climate forecasting is tricky stuff, but I can't outweigh the Godzilla-like force of La Niña with a blob of warm water oozing around my feet."

The images below are from FEMA's "National Risk Index", for three coastal counties, with the three highest risk events for Lincoln County (aside from earthquake) being:

  1. Coastal Flooding - Coastal flooding is the inundation of normally dry coastal land by seawater, resulting from high or rising tides and storm surges. 
  2. Ice Storm - self defining
  3. Riverine Flooding - a type of flooding that occurs when a river or stream overflows its normal banks, causing water to spread onto the surrounding, normally dry land.
 

What does this mean for preparedness? A couple things:

  1. Flooding, whether coastal or riverine - a good summary of how to prepare HERE from the American Red Cross. Key ideas are to be crystal clear on the types of flooding that may impact your home/community, making plans to stay safe, and what to do in the event you are trapped/impacted by flood. Click HERE to download a helpful resource.
  2. Ice Storms - To prepare for an ice storm, assemble a home emergency kit with food, water, blankets, and flashlights, and a winter car kit for emergencies. More from the American Red Cross HERE on their website and a checklist to download HERE.

Prepare Your Home and Family:

  • Assemble an Emergency Kit: Gather essentials like bottled water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, and blankets. 
  • Plan for Power Outages: Have an alternative heat source like a fireplace or generator, and install battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors. Keep your home insulated by caulking and weather stripping to keep out the cold. 
  • Protect Pipes: Insulate water pipes that are exposed to cold air, and consider shutting off your water supply if pipes are at risk. 
  • Prepare for Your Pets: Bring outdoor pets inside and ensure they have access to non-frozen food and water. 

Prepare Your Vehicle:

  • Winterize Your Car: Service your radiator, check your antifreeze level, and replace windshield-wiper fluid with a winter mixture. 
  • Install Winter Tires: Ensure your tires have adequate tread or consider installing snow tires. 
  • Maintain a Full Tank: Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel lines from freezing and to have fuel for a generator if needed. 
  • Create a Winter Car Kit: Include an ice scraper, snow brush, blankets, extra clothing, a fully charged cell phone and charger, jumper cables, and basic emergency supplies. 

Lot's of resources HERE on Ready.GOV.

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