Natural Disasters
Oregon Coast Windstorm
Windstorms are the most frequent hazard experienced on the Oregon Coast. A windstorm is defined as strong winds, typically exceeding 34 mph, that has the potential to damage trees, buildings, and infrastructure[1]. Local windstorms frequently knock down trees and powerlines, damaging property/buildings, blocking roads, and severing power and communication lines. They most frequently occur in the winter, and are sometimes accompanied by winter storms. However, windstorms also occur in the summer months, exacerbating fire dangers. Due to the frequency of windstorms in western Lane County and their effect on supply chains, power, and infrastructure, being prepared for them is essential.
Figure 1 – Downed Tree from Windstorm in Florence, Oregon.
Wind Hazard Notifications
The National Weather Service has 8 different alerts[2] to notify the public about high wind events. Familiarize yourself with each alert so you understand what type of wind event you’re facing and can make the necessary preparations and take the necessary precautions.
- High Wind Watch: Be Prepared! – Sustained, strong winds are likely but not imminent. You should secure any outdoor items and take precautions if outside.
- Wind Advisory: Take Action! – Strong winds actively occurring. Secure any outdoor items and be cautious while driving.
- High Wind Warning: Take Action! – Sustained, strong winds with intense gusts are happening. You should seek shelter and stay inside. If driving, keep both hands on the wheel and reduce your speed.
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! – Severe thunderstorms with winds of 58+ mph possible in the area. Seek shelter, stay inside and away from windows.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! – A severe thunderstorm is imminent or occurring in the area, with possibility of 58+ mph winds. Seek shelter, stay inside and away from windows.
- Gale Warning: Take Action! -Issued for areas along the water when sustained winds and/or frequent gusts (duration of 2+ hours) of 39 – 55 mph are expected to begin within the next 36 hours. This warning is for winds that are not associated with a tropical cyclone. Gale Warnings are very common in Florence and the surrounding coastal areas.
- Hurricane Force Wind Warning – Issued for areas along the water when sustained winds and/or frequent gusts of 74+ mph are expected to occur within the next 36 hours. This warning is for winds that are not associated with a tropical cyclone.
- Dust Storm Warning: Take Action! – Issued when winds of 30+ mph occur at the same time as reduced visibility due to blowing dust or sand. Seek shelter and stay inside.
Preparing for a Windstorm
When preparing for a windstorm, you are preparing for the possibility of impassable roads, power outages, structural failings, and falling trees/power lines. You should have an emergency plan, a communication plan, and enough food, water, medicine, and other essential supplies to survive on your own for at least 2 weeks. Click here to learn more about Oregon’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program.
Windstorm Preparedness Tips:
- Have an emergency kit with supplies that could last you and your household for 2 weeks.
- Invest in a backup generator and make sure your household knows how to operate it safely.
- Conduct a home safety evaluation yourself or with the West Lane Fire and EMS Authority (WLFEA) to identify weak or sick trees and other hazards on your property.
- Secure outside objects that could become flying debris.
- Connect with your neighbors to identify who will be most vulnerable if a power outage were to occur. Make a communication and care plan with these neighbors.
Figure 2 – The Siuslaw River Bridge in Florence, Oregon
During and After a Windstorm
During a windstorm…
- it’s important that you stay inside or get inside as quickly as possible. Make sure pets and livestock are also sheltered in a sound building.
- If the power goes out, turn off all propane gas appliances. Keep the refrigerator and freezer shut to preserve food. The perishable food in there will only keep for 2 days. Click here to learn more about food safety during and after a power outage.
- View the OHA’s “Keeping food safe during an emergency” fact sheet.
- Stay away from windows.
- If you are driving during a windstorm, swiftly get to an indoor location even if it is not your original destination. Keep both hands on the steering wheel, drive slowly, and watch for potential hazards like falling trees, powerlines, and other debris.
There are a few important things to look out for after a windstorm:
- Leave the building immediately if you smell gas or hear a hissing sound indoors.
- Avoid using matches, candles, or open flames until you’ve confirmed that there are no propane leaks indoors.
- Confirm that perishable foods stored during the power outage are safe to eat before consuming.
- Never touch a fallen power line! Do not try to move or drive over one, and do not touch any object that is connected to or contacting power lines! Report fallen, damaged, or endangered powerlines to Central Lincoln PUD (CLPUD) at (877) 265 – 3211. Call 911 if the power line is or becomes a safety threat.
Visit the City of Florence’s “Report Storm Related Issues” web page for more information.
Figure 3 – Power Line Safety, Central Lincoln PUD
Windstorm Hazards Contacts
If this is an emeregncy, call 911.
- Central Lincoln PUD: (877) 256 – 3211
- Report downed, damaged, or endangered powerlines as well as power outages.
- Florence Public Works: (541) 997 – 4106
- Report hazardous tress or debris.
- Florence Police Department Non- Emergencies: (541) 997 – 3515
- Report road hazards after regular business hours.
- Lane County Sheriff’s Office: (541) 682 – 4141
- Report downed trees and road hazards on county roads.
- Oregon Department of Transportation: (503) 378 – 0457
- Report downed trees and road hazards on state highways.
- West Lane Fire and EMS Authority Non-Emergencies: (541)997-3212
- Lane County Public Works Western Lane Office: (541)997 – 2251
Footnotes
[1] Piekle, Roger. Windstorm, Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/science/windstorm
[2] Wind Warnings, Watches, and Advisories, National Weater Service.
https://www.weather.gov/safety/wind-ww