Storm damage threatens shoreline property and city infrastructure as officials assess emergency repairs.
OCEAN SHORES, Wash. — November 11, 2026 — Ocean Shores has declared a citywide emergency following storms that caused coastal flooding, substantial shoreline erosion, prolonged power outages and disruptions to municipal infrastructure.
Mayor Frank T. Elduen issued Emergency Proclamation No. 2026-02 on November 9 in response to storm conditions beginning November 6.
In its November 10 public notice, the city identified shorelines near Marine View Drive, Neptune Way, Mariner Court SE and Peninsula Court SE among the hardest-hit locations. Waves and elevated water levels have threatened homes and public infrastructure while compromising previous shoreline stabilization work.
City evaluates emergency shoreline protection
Officials are assessing engineering needs, stabilization options, permits and potential financial assistance. The proclamation authorizes immediate work to protect people, stabilize infrastructure and restore essential services.
Emergency expenses will be tracked separately to support financial accountability, insurance claims and possible disaster reimbursement. The city is coordinating with county and state partners as damage assessments continue.
FOX 13 reported November 11 that crews were moving boulders as officials pursued shoreline protection measures. Police and fire officials also urged people to stay off beaches Tuesday and Wednesday because of dangerous storm conditions.
High surf and wind compound the danger
The National Weather Service’s early Wednesday update extended a high surf advisory for the Grays Harbor County Coast through 4 p.m. November 11. A wind advisory ran through 7 p.m., with south winds of 20–30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph expected.
NWS warned that breaking waves could knock people down, move driftwood and debris, and crash over rocks and jetties. Logs and debris deposited by the previous weekend’s surf added to the danger. Those advisories describe conditions for November 11; readers should check current alerts before traveling.
Residents and visitors urged to avoid damaged areas
The city asked residents and visitors to avoid unstable shorelines, damaged embankments and restricted areas.
National Weather Service flood guidance recommends several immediate precautions:
- Stay out of floodwater. It can conceal damaged pavement, debris and electrical hazards.
- Never drive into flooded roads or around barricades. Turn around and choose another route.
- Move to higher ground when water rises. Follow evacuation instructions promptly.
- Avoid electrical hazards. Do not enter rooms where water covers outlets or electrical cords.
- Monitor official updates. Flood conditions can change quickly.
For people hoping to watch or photograph the storm, the safest choice is to stay away from damaged coastal areas. Large waves can move heavy logs and sweep across rocks and jetties, putting observers at risk of injury or drowning.
Official information and updates
City emergency notice:
https://page.alertsense.com/content/2486/213053
Ocean Shores forecast and current alerts:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.0174&lon=-124.1625
National Weather Service flood safety:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-during
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