Portland, OR – A line of thunderstorms is expected to move through western and central Oregon on Wednesday, with the potential for severe weather stretching from the coast to the Cascades.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, the greatest threat is between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. PDT on March 26. Affected areas include Portland, Salem, Eugene, Redmond, Bend, and surrounding communities. The storms may produce lightning, heavy rainfall, pea- to quarter-sized hail, and wind gusts up to 60 mph. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined a marginal risk zone, with localized severe storms possible within the darker shaded areas of the forecast map.
Residents are urged to take precautions, especially those with outdoor plans. Travel may become hazardous due to sudden downpours, slick roads, and falling debris from high winds. NWS officials advise people to seek shelter indoors during thunder activity, emphasizing the slogan, “When thunder roars, go indoors.”
This storm system arrives amid a typically rainy season in Oregon, though spring thunderstorms of this strength are less common in some western valleys. Power outages and minor tree damage may occur. Stay updated at weather.gov/portland for the latest alerts and preparedness tips.
