Portland, OR – If you’ve got loose patio furniture or trash bins outside, now’s the time to secure them—because Oregon is in for some serious wind. A Wind Advisory is in effect through Tuesday, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph in some areas. That means power outages, tricky driving conditions, and flying debris could be an issue over the next 24 hours.
Who’s Going to Feel It?
This wind event is hitting Central Oregon hard, with places like Bend, Redmond, and the surrounding areas seeing the strongest gusts. If you’re commuting, spending time outside, or planning to drive through open areas and higher elevations, be ready for some powerful blasts of wind.
How Bad Will It Get?
Wind Speeds:
- Sustained winds: 25-35 mph
- Gusts: Up to 60 mph (strong enough to knock down tree limbs and power lines)
- Peak wind times: Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening
What Could Go Wrong?
Falling Trees & Power Outages
- With the ground already wet from recent rain, trees are more likely to fall over, bringing down power lines.
- Power outages are a real possibility, so be prepared. Charge your phone, grab flashlights, and have some extra blankets handy.
Hazardous Driving Conditions
- If you’re in a high-profile vehicle (RVs, trucks, trailers), expect strong crosswinds that could make driving dangerous.
- Bridges and highways will be especially windy, so keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.
Flying Objects
- Anything lightweight could turn into a projectile—think trash cans, decorations, outdoor furniture, and even trampolines!
- Secure or bring in anything that could get blown away.
What You Should Do Right Now
Tie down or bring in loose objects – This includes patio furniture, plants, and garbage bins.
Charge your devices – If the power goes out, you’ll be glad you did.
Stay indoors if possible – The less exposure, the better.
Drive carefully – If you’re on the road, expect sudden wind gusts, especially in open areas.
When Will It Calm Down?
The worst of the winds should die down by late Tuesday afternoon, but breezy conditions could stick around for a few more days.
Oregon, this isn’t just a little breeze—it’s a serious wind event that could knock out power, send tree limbs crashing down, and make driving a challenge. Take precautions now so you don’t get caught off guard.
