Well, I have to admit I am a serious weather geek. I thoroughly enjoy Fall and Winter because of what Mother Nature sends our way. If part of what you love about the Oregon Coast involves Fall and Winter storms here are my favorite links to track what's coming our way, as well as up to the minute information about what is actually happening . #1 http://www.ocrg.org/level2pages/weatherstations.html
This is my favorite weather site to keep an eye on approaching storms and to see it in action once it arrives...assuming we have power and Internet! It shows current wind speeds (sustained and gusts), rainfall totals, barometric activity, current temperatures and Doppler radar at the bottom of each screen. There is also a 10-day history on this site.
#2 http://www.nws.noaa.gov
This is by far the best website to keep yourself aware of what is heading our way - region wide.
#3 http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=45.43339456538528&lon=-123.94037246704101&site=pqr&smap=1&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=marine
This link is also from NOAA. Click here to see a pinpoint forecast for Netarts, OR. It is always exciting to see warnings posted at the top of the screen when you click on this page!
#4 http://www.robtrost.com/html/rob_trost_weather_station.htm
Here's a link to our weather station mounted on top of the Schooner Restaurant and Lounge. Track wind speed in Netarts, barometric readings and current temperatures.
#5 http://schoonercamera.kicks-ass.org:8082/cgi-bin/viewer/video.jpg
There is also a web cam up there to see what is happening during daylight hours. It really looks best on a sunny day in the middle of Summer!
Storm chasing is very entertaining and of course fun, but it isn't always safe to be out on the beach when the wind is gusting to 85mph, the ocean swell is 28 feet and it is raining sideways (though I have to admit I have done it plenty, and later wondered, "What was I thinking!") If necessary the links above will allow you to enjoy the excitement from the comfort of your own home when it just doesn't make good sense to be outdoors. Sometimes I have all four sites open at once! Can you see the added benefit of knowing and following a weather geek?! I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do! Cross your fingers for an exciting 2011-2012! We are off to a good start. High winds and heavy rain coming our way tonight!
