Pendleton, OR – Powerful winds could sweep across the Columbia Basin late Wednesday night, creating hazardous driving conditions and the potential for scattered power outages across parts of eastern Oregon and south-central Washington.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a High Wind Watch covers the Lower Columbia Basin, Blue Mountain foothills, Simcoe Highlands, Kittitas Valley and portions of north-central Oregon as a strong cold front moves through the region. Wind gusts between 45 and 55 mph are likely, with localized gusts reaching 60 mph along exposed ridges and higher elevations.
The strongest winds are expected overnight Wednesday into early Thursday. Communities including Pendleton, Hermiston, Pasco, Kennewick, Richland, Yakima and Ellensburg may experience sudden bursts of wind capable of knocking around loose objects and making travel difficult.
Major travel corridors could become especially challenging for drivers of trucks, RVs and other high-profile vehicles. Gusty crosswinds may impact Interstate 84 near Pendleton and Hermiston, Interstate 82 through the Tri-Cities and Yakima Valley, and Interstate 90 near Ellensburg.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture, trash bins and other lightweight items before winds increase Wednesday evening. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, keep both hands on the wheel and allow extra distance between vehicles in windy conditions.
The wind threat should gradually ease Thursday morning, though additional advisories could be issued if stronger gusts develop overnight.
