Hey Eugene, it looks like we’re in for some serious spring weather this Thursday! A storm is rolling in, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that are going to make for a tough day on the roads, especially if you’re traveling on I-5. Whether you’re headed to work, school, or just out and about, it’s important to know what’s coming and how to stay safe as the weather takes a turn for the worse.
What to Expect: A Rainy, Windy Thursday
Thursday is shaping up to be a wet one in Eugene. Starting early in the morning, we’ll see a steady downpour that’s going to stick around for most of the day. It won’t just be the rain, though—winds are picking up too, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. That means there will be plenty of windblown rain and debris on the roads. It’ll be a pretty typical spring storm, but it’s one you definitely want to be prepared for.
By the time the clock hits 9 AM, we’re looking at the worst of the weather, with the heaviest rain and strongest gusts hitting the area between 9 AM and 3 PM. If you can, try to hold off on any unnecessary trips during these hours—conditions are going to be pretty intense.
How This Affects I-5 Travel: Slick Roads and Slower Speeds
If you’ve got to be on I-5 Thursday, be prepared for some tough driving. The rain is going to make the road slippery, and you’ll also deal with low visibility thanks to the heavy downpours. On top of that, those gusty winds are likely to make it feel like your car is getting pushed around, especially if you’re driving a larger vehicle like a truck or an RV. This is going to be particularly tricky for anyone who’s not used to driving in this type of weather.
There’s also a good chance you’ll encounter ponding water in low-lying areas, where the rain won’t drain as easily. So, if you see standing water, avoid driving through it—it could be deeper than it appears and could cause your car to lose traction.
Expect traffic to be slower than usual as people navigate the rough conditions, and there’s a possibility of delays as roads get congested. If you can avoid traveling during the peak storm hours, it might be a good idea to hold off on your trip until later in the day when the weather starts to clear up.
What to Expect Later in the Day: A Calm After the Storm
Once we get through the peak storm hours in the afternoon, the weather will start to calm down by Thursday evening. The rain will taper off, and while we might still see a few gusts, the worst will be behind us. If you need to go anywhere later in the day, you’ll have much better conditions to work with.
How to Stay Safe on the Roads
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Drive Slower – When the rain starts falling hard, roads get slippery, so slow down. Give yourself extra time to react if something unexpected happens. And don’t forget to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you!
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Be Aware of Debris – The wind is going to be blowing branches and other debris onto the road, so be prepared to navigate around things, especially in wooded areas. Stay aware of your surroundings, and drive with caution.
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Avoid Flooded Areas – If you see standing water on the road, turn around. Even a small amount of water can make your car lose control, so it’s never worth taking the risk.
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Expect Delays – With heavy rain and wind, traffic is going to be slower than usual. Be patient, and give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go.
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Secure Outdoor Items – If you haven’t already, bring in any outdoor furniture, trash cans, or anything else that could get blown around by the wind. You don’t want to deal with debris in your yard or on the road!
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Stay Informed – Keep an eye on the weather updates throughout the day, especially if you need to travel. The storm could change quickly, so it’s always good to know what’s happening.
Looking Ahead: A Calm Weekend
Once the storm moves through on Thursday, things will clear up for the rest of the week. Friday will be much calmer, with dry weather and lighter winds expected. So if you can wait to travel until then, you’ll find it’s a lot easier to get around.
Wrapping It Up: Stay Safe, Eugene!
Thursday’s storm is going to bring heavy rain and strong winds, making travel on I-5 especially tricky. Whether you’re heading out or just staying put, it’s important to stay prepared and cautious. If you don’t have to be on the roads during the storm’s peak hours, try to delay your trip. But if you must travel, be sure to take it slow, watch out for debris, and stay safe.
