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Reported tornado causes damage in Rockaway Beach
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Reported tornado causes damage in Rockaway Beach

ROCKAWAY BEACH, Ore. (KPTV) – A tornado was reported near the beach in Rockaway Beach Monday evening, the National Weather Service confirmed.

The tornado occurred around 9:24 p.m. The NWS says the radar showed a “fairly strong speed torque” over the city at the time.

The tornado started on the beach and moved a few blocks through the heart of the city. There have been reports of damage to fences, roof shingles, a window and dirt/debris lying around.

Tillamook County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Ahlers was patrolling the area where the tornado struck Tuesday morning.

“I haven’t heard of any major injuries, but there is a lot of property damage,” Deputy Ahlers said. “Neahkanie School District buildings were heavily impacted, but it does not sound like there has been any impact on school operations.”

The school district says they are waiting for insurance adjusters to investigate the damage, but they did lose a pole barn that will cost about $125,000 to replace. A van was also damaged and will cost about $6,000 to repair.

The neighborhood also has windows and roofs that need immediate replacement at a cost of about $31,000.

The NWS has not yet determined the strength of the tornado.

The NWS has issued a high surf advisory Tuesday until 4 p.m. There is a high risk of rip currents, sneaker waves and beach erosion. Officials are asking people to stay well away from the water’s edge and be alert for exceptionally high waves, with potential breakers up to 26 feet.

There is also a high wind warning in effect until Wednesday morning with winds up to 40 miles per hour and gusts up to 60 miles per hour. These winds could blow down more trees and power lines and make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.