Fall storms are on their way
Today and tonight will be the calm before the storm, literally. That’s according to weather forecasters who say a series of “strong storms” will pass across the region in coming days.
The National Weather Service is predicting rain, heavy at times, by Thursday. The precipitation will likely be accompanied by gusty south winds… as high as 45 to 55 miles an hour along exposed beaches and coastal headlands.
That will be the first storm. Forecasters say a much stronger one will pass later Saturday.
A strong cold front could move onshore Saturday evening, bringing another round of heavy rain and gusty winds 65 to 80 miles an hour.
There is still some uncertainty about the wind speeds… with actual winds being higher or lower depending on the storm track.
Nonetheless, according to officials, coastal residents should be prepared for very strong winds later Saturday, as well as high surf conditions.
Surfer bitten by shark
Police on the northern Oregon Coast say a shark attacked a surfer near Cannon Beach Monday afternoon. Oregon State Police spokesman Lt. Steve Mitchell said 29-year old Joseph Tanner of Portland was bitten while surfing at Indian Beach at Ecola State Park.
A fellow surfer told reporters Tanner, a trauma nurse, directed his own first aid, asking responders to describe what they were seeing. He suffered wounds to his upper thigh and lower leg. He was stabilized at the scene and flown to a Portland hospital with serious injuries.
Siuslaw Valley Division Chief selected
Fireground operations for Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue will be under the leadership of a new Division Chief around the first of November.
That’s when Jim Dickerson will assume his new post with the agency. Dickerson began his firefighting career as a volunteer with the city of Newton, Iowa in 1994. He will come to
Florence from Netarts and Oceanside Rural Fire Protection District in Tillamook County.
Siuslaw Valley Fire Chief Jim Langborg said Dickerson brings a “large knowledge base and a vast amount of experience”, adding he was “excited” to welcome him.
Dickerson’s duties at Netarts-Oceanside included serving as Training Chief, as well as responding to fires, water rescues and “high angle rescue” operations.
He fills the vacancy created when long time firefighter and Division Chief Marvin Tipler announced his retirement after more than three decades.
Coverage changes to be explored
The annual open enrollment period for Medicare is set to begin next week. Oregon’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program is offering assistance to eligible participants.
Any changes to existing Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans must be made each year between October 15th and December 7th in order to provide uninterrupted coverage. If you are late in making changes you could face a lifetime of premium penalties.
Program Coordinator Lisa Emerson says it’s important to compare plans every year as the plans do change. She says your individual coverage needs may change from year to year as well.
The assistance program offers free counseling for users… In the Florence area they will offer a session at Lane Community College October 25th. There is no fee to participate, but the college is asking for pre-registration. More information is available by calling the Florence Center.
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