Depoe Bay, Ore. — South winds gusting to 50 mph battered Little Whale Cove’s path Wednesday, kicking off Oregon’s king tides as waves pummeled cliffs and sprayed mist high into the stormy sky.

Gauges clocked a midday crest of 10.14 feet at 10:58 a.m. — pretty tame compared to king tides paired with fiercer storms.

Rick and his son John, who live in northern Idaho but own an oceanfront home in Little Whale Cove, endured the squall for their annual ocean vigil. “We like to come when the storms are up and see what the ocean does,” Rick said.

When asked how today’s conditions stacked up against past visits, John scanned the surges: “This is kinda medium. Really bad is when it’s windier and the waves are 20-30 feet. I think tomorrow is going to be a little more serious.”

Projections agree: Thursday’s high surges to 10.35 feet by 11:38 a.m., with 15-foot WSW swells, south winds at 20-25 mph gusting to 35-40 mph and 85% rain odds. Friday peaks at 10.26 feet.

King tides, Nov. 5-7, Dec. 4-6, Jan. 1-4, bring viewers yet heighten flood and sneaker-wave perils. Oregon Parks and Recreation advises: Follow signs, dodge slick rocks, secure kids and pets.

King Tides Set to Surge Along Oregon Coast

With tides withdrawing on opening day, the cove geared for Thursday’s intensified drama.