The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for the Central Oregon Coast, warning of possible sneaker waves from Wednesday through Sunday.

The alert, issued Tuesday afternoon by the NWS office in Portland, covers Clatsop and Tillamook counties on the north and central Oregon coast as well as the south Washington coast. It highlights the risk of sneaker waves, which are large, unexpected surges that can run up significantly farther than normal waves, including over rocks and jetties.

“These waves can suddenly knock people off their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean, which may lead to serious injury or drowning,” the alert said.

Forecasters urged beachgoers to stay vigilant, never turn their back on the ocean and keep a close eye on children. The warning comes as long-period swells from distant Pacific storms are expected to create conditions favorable for sneaker waves, even if local weather appears calm.

Sneaker waves remain the leading weather-related killer on the West Coast, often outpacing all other hazards combined, with most fatalities occurring October–April. Always treat the ocean with extreme caution: never turn your back on waves, stay far back from the surf zone (especially on wet sand or near logs/jetties), and heed NWS beach hazards statements.

Authorities advised remaining out of the water entirely during the hazard period and viewing the ocean from safe, elevated locations.