The Dalles, Oregon – Damaging winds are expected to rip through the Columbia River Gorge and Kittitas Valley Saturday afternoon, threatening trees, power lines, and high-profile vehicles.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a High Wind Watch is in effect from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday for parts of north-central Oregon and south-central Washington. Winds from the west and northwest may reach sustained speeds of 25 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph possible in areas including The Dalles, Arlington, White Salmon, and Ellensburg.
Power outages are likely if trees or limbs fall onto lines, and travel could become hazardous, particularly for trucks and RVs crossing exposed stretches of I-84 and US-97. In Kittitas Valley, Ellensburg residents should secure outdoor objects and prepare for the potential of downed lines.
Residents are urged to charge devices, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor emergency alerts. The last time the region saw similar wind intensity, widespread outages were reported in early spring 2023.
The High Wind Watch remains in effect through Saturday evening, with updates or full warnings expected if conditions escalate.
