A high wind warning is in effect along the Oregon coast today. Winds are expected to reach up to 85 miles per hour in the higher coastal elevations. This extreme weather threat caused Siuslaw school district to shut down for the day and public officials prepared for emergencies.
The National Weather Service has forecast high winds all along the Oregon Coast. Siuslaw Fire and Rescue Chief Jim Langborg began warning the Florence community on social media and preparing his responders when he heard the storm was on its way.
Langborg: "We began notifying our members to one, prepare their family and two, if they can, be available during these target time periods so that we can utilize them during any emergencies that come up. Now, we do have a contingency plan in place that if it just becomes too dangerous we'll just stay inside and wait it out until it calms down enough that we can get out there."
These winds will be strong enough to cause structural damage and possible power outages. Langborg advices residents to stay inside, avoid trees and have enough food and water stored for the next 72 hours.
The high wind warning will remain in effect until 7 p.m. and a high surf warning continues until 10 p.m.