Storm Surge/Tide — W Pacific, Washington

2003-01-02 · W Pacific, Washington

Wider weather episode

The new year started with a very potent Pacific storm that churned up huge seas along the South Washington Coast. Buoys just off shore reported heaviest seas in the mid to upper 20 foot range. The heavy surf arrived at the time of one of the highest tides of the year, with tides reported at over 3 feet above the predicted high tides. This resulted in significant flooding along estuaries and low lying areas of Pacific County. Highway 101 was flooded near Potter Slough, Nemah, and from McGowan to Megler, just north of the Astoria Bridge. There was also flooding and property damage reported at and around the Port of Ilwaco. No damage estimates are available.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5339478. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.