Portland, OR – A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for portions of northwestern Oregon and southwestern Washington and will remain in effect until 9 p.m. PDT Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the alert includes 10 Oregon counties—such as Multnomah, Marion, and Washington—and 7 Washington counties, including Clark, King, and Pierce. The watch covers major metro areas such as Portland and Vancouver, as well as communities along the I-5 corridor.
Forecasters warn of possible damaging winds up to 60 mph, frequent lightning, and isolated hail. Localized power outages and minor property damage may occur, especially in areas with saturated ground or vulnerable trees. Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects, monitor weather alerts, and avoid travel during peak storm activity.
The thunderstorm watch was issued at 3:10 p.m. PDT and will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday evening, covering the critical afternoon and early evening commute hours. These conditions are unusual for late March in the Pacific Northwest, where thunderstorms are typically more isolated.
Drivers along I-5 and commuters in Portland, Salem, and Seattle should stay alert for rapidly changing conditions. Weather radios, mobile alerts, and local news stations are recommended for real-time updates.
