Tug loses logs during big storm in Oregon

The Associated Press

WARRENTON, Ore. — Beachgoers are being warned about a load of heavy logs expected to wash ashore near Lincoln City after high winds and torrential rain caused a tug to lose its load at sea.

The heavy weather also buffeted the northern Oregon coast Wednesday, shutting off power in some towns and making driving hazardous.

Rising water slowed travel on the U.S. 101 between Seaside and Tillamook. Heavy rain and an unusually high tide flooded the highway with about a foot of water at Beerman Creek, a mile south of Seaside.

Several vehicles stalled while trying to negotiate the highway, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The Wilson River just north of Tillamook also backed up across U.S. 101, officials said. Most vehicles were getting through, but alternate routes were recommended.

About 1,150 Warrenton homes were without power for more than four hours Tuesday night after winds knocked down trees. Downed lines in Astoria left about 230 residents without electricity for about an hour Wednesday morning. Outages also were reported across the Columbia River in Ilwaco, Wash.

Meanwhile, boaters and beachgoers were warned to watch out for thousands of logs that spilled into the ocean after a tugboat was caught in rough seas Tuesday about 25 miles off the coast. The tug, bound for Eureka, Calif., returned to Canada after it encountered strong winds and 20-foot swells that caused it to lose its load, U.S. Coast Guard officials said.

No injuries were reported, but officials warned the heavy logs likely would wash ashore near Siletz Bay, south of Lincoln City.

Coast Guard Lt. Toby Holdridge said the logs were far too heavy and numerous to be picked up at sea.

"These things are going to make landfall, and they are extremely dangerous on the beach," Holdridge said.