Despite the heavy rain, most did not let it deter them from their Friday plans, with local businesses picking up more foot traffic as the day went on.
SEASIDE, Ore — The atmospheric river sweeping through northwest Oregon and southwest Washington Friday dumped rain along the coast, and although conditions were soaking wet, it didn’t stop people from enjoying their afternoon.
Some, like Jonathan Arnot, had date night scheduled and didn’t let the rain ruin the plans.
“Took a day off of work, and just decided, well, the coast is the best place to be, and rain or shine, we’re used to it at this point, so we might as well just have a fun time and enjoy it while it lasts,” he said.
Arnot said the key is making sure you’re prepared: “If you don’t own a rain jacket, you’re not from around here, so you might as well own it or move out.”
Others, like Jessica VanderNaald, were visiting from Chicago.
She explained while weather like this isn’t new to her, she was hoping the rain would roll in a little later.
“We see some of this in the Midwest, so it’s not too bad; we were just hoping it would hold off for a little bit longer while we were here,” she said.
Still, the rain didn’t ruin her day.
“We love being out here, so a little rain won’t ruin our weekend,” she said.
For businesses, the rain wasn’t all bad, either.
Karen Emmerling, the owner of Beach Books, said while business Friday started out slow, it picked up later in the afternoon.
“People weren’t out walking the streets, obviously, but in the last hour, it has picked up, and it’s been a busy morning,” said Emmerling.
She said while business in the summer is overall better, during the fall, the rainy days bring in more business than dry days.
“Everybody needs a book on a rainy day,” she said.
As for her personal feelings about the rain, while she enjoys it, she admits it can get old.
“I don’t mind a few days of it, but by February, March, I’m a little tired of the rain,” she said.