See it: 2 people and their dog nearly swept away by dangerous sneaker waves along Oregon coast
Both people and their dog were caught off guard by the dangerous surf, scrambling toward a pile of driftwood to escape the powerful waves.
Two people come dangerously close to sneaker waves in Oregon
POWERFUL WAVES NEARLY SWALLOW BEACHGOERS: A scary scene unfolded in Winchester Bay, Oregon, where strong sneaker waves nearly swallowed two people and a dog along the beach. Thankfully, the dog was rescued and is safe with his owners.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Sneaker waves in Oregon nearly swallowed two people and a dog.
- Both people ran away before the dangerous waves swept the dog up.
- Rescuers safely removed the dog from the water afterward.
WINCHESTER BAY, Ore. – As severe storms are set to develop later this week in the Pacific Northwest, Americans have already begun to face nasty conditions as dangerous waves crash along Oregon's coast.
Beachgoers in Winchester Bay, Oregon, had a front-row seat to increasingly strong storm conditions along the coast as intense winds fueled dangerous sneaker waves.
Two people and their dog were walking along the coast at South Jetty Beach, where large waves surged, creating a mess of sea foam on a landscape littered with driftwood and adding another layer of hazard for visitors.
Both beachgoers and the dog were unaware of the dangers of the rough surf until it was too late, dashing to a pile of driftwood to seek refuge from the waves.
The dog couldn't climb to safety and was swallowed by the large waves, swirling through the chaos of jagged wood and violent surf.
Sneaker waves crash along the coast of Oregon, sending two people and a dog scrambling for safety. (Dawn Kalberg Jones/ Facebook)
Sneaker waves are potentially deadly waves that suddenly surge much farther up the beach than expected, according to the National Weather Service.
Sneaker waves can lift and roll logs weighing hundreds of pounds up the coastline.
Thankfully, the pair saw the dog pop its head out of the water during the situation, then safely pulled the furry family member from the ocean.
These are common along the remote, rugged coastlines of the Northwest.
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DEPOE BAY, OR - OCTOBER 24: Heavy waves break against the Oregon coast as a bomb cyclone storm system moves over the Northwest United States on October 24, 2021 in Depoe Bay, Oregon. Heavy rain and wind may cause flooding in some parts of the region, but could aid areas of California struggling with wildfires. (Nathan Howard / Getty Images)
It is particularly dangerous in this region because it can result in cold immersion, causing victims stuck in sneaker waves to lose control of limbs in seconds and drown quickly.
Usually, a period of 10 to 20 minutes of small waves precedes a sneaker wave, allowing unsuspecting beachgoers to be swept into the ocean.
Experts suggest staying at least 150 feet away from the ocean and remaining on dry parts of the beach to stay as safe as possible.
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Sneaker waves are especially dangerous for unaware beachgoers because the ocean's strength can change in an instant, and no part of the beach is too high for a wave to reach.