PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland metro area is bracing for strong thunderstorms late Wednesday afternoon and evening, bringing potentially gusty winds and hail. This week began with 70-degree temperatures and a record-breaking 80 degrees Tuesday, the warmest March since 1947.
KGW has issued a Weather Impact Alert for the area, with the biggest impact expected to be in the Willamette Valley and extending further north across most of western Washington. Thunderstorms are most likely to go into midnight as a cold front moves in, according to KGW meteorologist Rod Hill.
The risk area for thunderstorms and severe weather extends from Roseburg north to Seattle, including Salem, Portland, Vancouver and Longview, Hill said, and Portland may see .50 inches of rain by Wednesday’s end, as well as wind gusts reaching up to 60 miles per hour. NWS Portland also warned that hail has the potential to exceed golf ball size.
NWS has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch from Linn County in Oregon all the way north to King County, Washington, lasting until 9 p.m. The notice includes risk of hail of up to 2 inches, scattered wind gusts of up to 70 mph, and the potential of tornado formation.
After Wednesday, weather returns to rain and 50-degree temperatures, Hill said.
People should take shelter indoors, not under trees or open-sided shelters like picnic areas, if they hear thunder. If shelter isn’t available, a vehicle with a metal roof, turned off and with the windows closed, is safer than remaining outside, according to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
If on the road, avoid driving through flooded roadways, even if they’re covered with just a few inches, and slow down to avoid hydroplaning.
For hail, stay away from windows and skylights at home and cover the windows to prevent broken glass from entering your home; if driving, stay in your vehicle and pull over into a safe location; turn your back to the window and cover yourself with a blanket or other clothing.
For the possibility of tornadoes, head into a basement or the lowest floor of your home in a small interior room, such as a closet or bathroom, and cover yourself with a sturdy object; stay away from windows. If outside without shelter, lie down in a ditch and cover your head.
With the possibility of severe thunderstorms throughout the day, tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Rotating clouds aren’t always a tornado. Tornadoes make contact with the ground and funnel clouds do not. Watches and Warnings also differ, as a watch suggests potential. #ORWX #WAWX pic.twitter.com/0rwshZgDmV
— NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) March 26, 2025
High winds and downed trees may cause detours or delays; stay away from downed power lines.
