A series of fall storms through the weekend promising strong winds, rain and dangerous waves has prompted the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to issue a safety alert for coast and inland valley visitors. For people on the coast, the department advises stormwatching from headlands and other elevated places well above the action, and avoiding the beach and low-lying rocky areas. Beaches can be treacherous before, during, and after storms due to powerful waves that can rush far inland, high winds, and logs and other debris. Parks in the Willamette Valley may also be affected by high water and winds. Many state parks will be closed with little to no warning, or suffer unexpected power outages. Visitors to state parks should check ahead of time at http://bit.ly/2016oregoncoaststorm for updates. Beach safety tips, videos and information on the dangers of sneaker waves, rolling logs and rip currents is available at www.oregonbeachsafety.org.
