Pendleton, OR – A passing cold front is bringing strong winds to Oregon’s Cascade region, with gusts reaching up to 43 mph this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning for areas along the Cascade Range, including the Gorge, Simcoe Highlands, Southern Blue Mountain foothills, and Kittitas Valley.
According to the NWS, the winds are expected to peak later today, with the most significant gusts occurring between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. As the cold front moves through the area, a pressure gradient will bring breezy conditions that could lead to hazardous driving and potential tree damage in more exposed areas.
Travelers on I-84, US-97, and Route 12 should be cautious, especially in the gorge and along the mountain foothills, where wind speeds will be at their strongest. The weather also could cause scattered power outages, so it’s advised to secure outdoor items that might be affected by the gusty conditions.
The wind event is expected to subside by late Wednesday night, but residents should stay alert for additional advisories as conditions evolve.
