After our near-miss with a severe storm that walloped Washington to the north of us, a thunderstorm off the Long Beach Peninsula yesterday spawned a waterspout in the ocean off Long Beach. The waterborne tornado moved on up the coast to Tokeland and beyond. And we have more weather on the way.

Don’t be tempted to feel cavalier about the fact that this round of weather “wasn’t so bad.” It could be next time. Winter on the coast means staying informed and being prepared.