The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.
A Flash Flood Watch for the Chetco Bar burn area in Oregon and the western portion of the eclipse complex in California. This does not include the cities of Brookings, Harbor, Pistol River, or Happy Camp.
Weather experts are predicting heavy rainfall and high rain rates across the burn scars from Thursday morning through Thursday evening.
Landslides and debris flows are possible during this flood event. People, structures and roads located below steep slopes, in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk from rapidly moving landslides.
Ponding of water over roadways and debris flows will be possible and authorities ask if you come across a flooded roadway, find an alternate route. Turn around, don’t drown.
The U.S. National Weather Service has also in combination with the flash flood warning has issued a high surf advisory in effect from 5 PM Thursday to 11:00 PM PDT Friday.
A high surf advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion.
Waves and surf are expected from a west swell of 20 feet with 17 second period which will result in breakers 23 to 26 feet between Thursday evening through Friday evening.
Weather experts expect wave run-up on beaches to be be much higher than normal and are advising individuals to stay off the jetties.
Bar crossings, jetties, and the surf zone are expected to be especially dangerous due to strong currents and breaking wave action. Use extra caution along the coast and always keep an eye to the sea.
People in the affected area encouraged to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.
Individuals can view the hazard area in closer detail at https://www.Wrh.NOAA.Gov/mfr/hazard.