Giant waves and king tides at the Oregon Coast

(JANUARY 10, 2020) The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a High Surf Warning for this weekend. Visitors to the Oregon Coast should be extra cautious. There will be unusually large waves at the beaches and very high tides (called "king tides").

The NWS says some waves might be as high as 30 to 35 feet along the coast of Northern and Central Oregon. People should stay back from the water's edge and be alert for high waves. People should also avoid logs near the water because the large waves can lift them and move them.

"Destructive waves may wash over beaches, jetties, and other structures unexpectedly. People can be swept off rocks and jetties and drown while observing high surf. Severe beach erosion may destroy coastal properties and buildings. Higher than normal water run-up is expected on beaches and low-lying shoreline," says the NWS warning.

The enormous waves are caused by strong winds. The high tides, however, occur several times every winter when the moon is closest to the Earth. There will be one more set of "king tides" this season February 8-10.