PORTLAND, Ore. — Severe weather hit the Portland-Vancouver area hard Monday afternoon, as strong winds and thunderstorms led to widespread power outages and prompted multiple warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS). The storm front, characterized by wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour and heavy rainfall, moved across Western Oregon and Southwest Washington, impacting tens of thousands of residents.
The NWS issued Thunderstorm and high wind warnings throughout much of the upper Willamette Valley and Southwest Washington area, effective until 5 p.m. Monday. By 9 p.m., reports indicated nearly 63,000 customers of Portland General Electric (PGE) were without power due to 1,199 outages across the service area. Pacific Power reported approximately 20,900 customers without service due to 214 outages, and Clark County Public Utilities noted 7,967 affected individuals, having restored power to more than 7,343 customers as crews worked diligently to repair the damage.
“We saw a series of thunderstorms move across our service area this afternoon, and we expect continued high winds and rain tonight and early Tuesday morning,” explained the spokesperson for PGE. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the developing weather conditions, reminding customers to stay prepared for potential renewed outages.
To aid public safety, PGE reiterated the importance of avoiding downed power lines. If residents see power lines on the ground, they are advised to stay away and report the situation to PGE at 503-464-7777 or 800-544-1795. Emergency services can also be contacted by calling 911. This caution is especially pertinent as the weather forecast indicates possible flooding due to the heavy rains accompanying the wind.
Further complicate matters, around the same time, the NWS issued tornado warnings for several regions including Silverton, Molalla, and Mount Angel. Although the tornado warnings expired around 7:45 p.m. without any confirmed tornado touchdowns, the rapid succession of alerts kept many residents on high alert. A wind advisory continues for areas of the Willamette Valley, with gusts expected between 20 mph and 30 mph and possible peaks hitting as high as 55 mph.
Damage reports from the storm are accumulating. Observers in Battle Ground, Washington, recorded trees falling, with one viewer reporting significant damage to homes and fences. The storm has not spared Portland either, where residents noted fallen trees and damaged property, particularly within the Montavilla neighborhood.
“It’s been quite the storm. It feels like spring has hit us right here. We’ve had hail, high winds, and now power outages,” said one Portland resident who witnessed the storm's effects firsthand.
The conditions mimic more severe weather events seen in the Midwest than typically associated with the Pacific Northwest, leaving many residents shocked and concerned. Over 90,000 total power outages were reported by utilities encompassing PGE, Pacific Power, and Clark Public Utilities, as they assessed damages and worked to restore services.
By the late evening, as storms calmed, forecasters acknowledged the weather was expected to begin clearing as the week progresses. The arrival of spring-like conditions promised relief from the severe weather. Meteorologists forecasted temperatures reaching the low 60s by midweek, with other significant improvements anticipated.
Travelers have been warned to exercise caution, particularly on roadways affected by debris, as tree limbs continue to pose hazards. Highways impacted included Interstate 5 and Interstate 205, among others, with local authorities advising against unnecessary travel until conditions stabilize.
Despite Monday's tumultuous weather, forecasts predict improving conditions with dry weather returning, though all eyes remain vigilant for the weather's continued evolution. The immediate concern rests with residents still without power and the challenges repair teams face working under potentially hazardous conditions.
For now, the Portland community is left assessing the damage and preparing for future storms as summer approaches. The hopes are for calmer weather patterns during this transitional season.