Portland, OR – Windy conditions are expected to develop across northwest Oregon on Thursday as a coastal low-pressure system moves inland, bringing strong gusts to both the coastline and inland valleys before tapering off Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, the strongest winds will arrive along the Oregon Coast early Thursday, with gusts between 35 and 45 mph forecast for communities including Astoria, Newport, and Tillamook. Some exposed coastal headlands may experience even stronger bursts as the system pushes ashore.
By late Thursday morning and into the afternoon, winds are expected to spread into inland areas such as Portland, Salem, Corvallis, and the rest of the Willamette Valley. Forecast models show potential gusts in the 25 to 40 mph range for most valley communities, with the highest readings occurring during the mid-afternoon hours.
While widespread damage is not expected, forecasters say these wind levels could cause scattered tree limb breaks, power flickers, and difficult driving conditions, particularly for high-profile vehicles traveling along I-5, Highway 26, and coastal routes. Pedestrians and cyclists may also notice challenging crosswinds during peak gust periods Thursday.
Winds are expected to gradually ease late Thursday night into early Friday as the low-pressure system moves farther inland and weakens. Cooler temperatures and calmer conditions are anticipated heading into the weekend.
Residents along the coast and in the inland valleys are encouraged to secure lightweight outdoor items, check for local weather alerts, and use caution on the roads during Thursday’s wind peak.
