(Oregon Coast) – Thursday’s brief storm on the coast created a spectacular array of moments and sights along the shoreline, and it brought more than a few tourists around to watch the tidal madness as well as the confused animals.Wind gusts were reported in the 90’s in some spots, while many others received them in the 70’s or 80’s. Although the big winds are gone, the stormy conditions haven’t quite disappeared, possibly bringing in some oddities like lightning or funnel clouds. 
In Yachats, Marsella Charron runs Yachats Wine Trader, which overlooks the already dramatic bay in the tiny town. “Yesterday we had some storm watchers in,” she said. “A few of them heard about the big storm and came over from Eugene to see it. One customer was a writer who is writing a novel that takes place during a hurricane. He was coming over to experience the storm and use it for inspiration.”
Big waves slam into the rocks near Depoe BayCarole Barkhurst of the Depoe Bay Visitors Center took it all in stride, and was more amused by the sights than anything. “We locals usually find the storms are not as great as we had hoped they would be,” Barkhurst. “This one gave us great wind bursts and periods of heavy rain, but all in all it was only just a medium storm. The birds were really fun in this one as they seemed quite perplexed and were frequently flying back and forth instead of south. The pelicans especially were confused.”
In Seaside, Mike Exinger of Zinger’s Homemade Ice Cream was also amused as he watch the Seaside High School homecoming parade slink down Broadway. “We were outside watching just as the skies emptied,” Exinger said. “All the kids were riding in open trucks and floats - which took on a new meaning - and were totally soaked. Since the team hasn’t won a game all year, this could be an omen.”Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway St. Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Comfy robes, slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. http://www.seasidesuites.com/Brian Hines, owner of San Dune Inn in Manzanita wasn’t sure how the weather pundits got gusts up to 90 miles an hour. “It was pretty much a non-event here,” Hines said. “Power flickered off for about two seconds, and that’s about it. "No hordes showing up to watch the storm. There were sun breaks today coupled with showers on and off.”There’s more nuttiness on the way, and the weather is already bringing more surprises to the region.
The National Weather Service has issued some unusual warnings for western Oregon, including the coast and coast range, partially because of a small tornado that touched down near Hubbard on Friday. An unstable air mass over southwest Washington and northwest Oregon is still quite unstable on Friday night, posing the risk of a funnel cloud or tornado, as well as dangerous lightning. Flashes of lightning have already been seen all evening in the Portland area and to the west, near the coast range. The NWS says the “risk of a funnel cloud will continue there” throughout Friday night.
Hail is also possible, as well as gusts up to around 30 mph. The NWS also urges the public to watch out for lightning that ends up directly above them. 
With continued blustery weather and rain, a high surf warning has also been issued for the Oregon coast, which means enormous swells and officials telling people to stay off the beaches.“Storm-watchers need to be very cautious about where they go to observe, remembering that winds with big gusts could send pieces of the beach toward one and/or one's vehicle,” said Newport beach expert Guy DiTorrice. “Smart to stay off the beach, opting for a higher, safer point for observing. Remember that we lost a couple tourists last year who were sitting on a sandstone headland undercut by huge waves taking them out to sea.”
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. http://www.dsandsmotel.com/. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925.
Arch Cape Property Services. Dozens of homes in that dreamy, rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the sea.
All homes are immaculate and smoke free; some pet friendly (with a fee). Some with broadband, indoor or outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, decks, and fire pits or barbecues. Call about tempting winter specials that go until March (not valid holidays, however). http://www.archcaperentals.com/ 866-436-1607.
STARFISH POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.All units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks. Friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. http://www.starfishpoint.com/
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.comDIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES
Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.atcannonbeach.com/.
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.theoceanlodge.com/
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ASTORIAWhere the Columbia meets the Pacific, Land of Lewis & Clark and loads of atmosphere & history
SEASIDE
The Promenade, Tillamook Head, family fun & broad, sandy beaches
CANNON BEACHA mysterious lighthouse, upscale yet earthy, a huge monolith, fine eateries & an art mecca
NEHALEM BAY
Manzanita's beaches, Nehalem and Wheeler's quirky beauty; laid back Rockaway
TILLAMOOK BAY
Garibaldi, Barview, Bay City, Tillamook & an oceanfront ghost town
THREE CAPES LOOP
The hidden secret of the coast: Cape Meares, a lighthouse, Oceanside, Netarts and Pacific City
DEPOE BAYA spouting horn downtown, freaky hidden cliffs and whales, whales, whales
NEWPORTTime-tripping Nye Beach, a bustling bayfront, marine science-central and two lighthouses
YACHATS
Constantly dramatic wave action, a mix of the rugged & upscale
FLORENCE
A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles and miles of fluffy dunes
