Flooding, high winds, T-storms expected in Oregon, Washington
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Flooding rains, damaging winds and the threat of thunderstorms is expected for western Oregon and southwest Washington through Wednesday.
A powerful atmospheric river will push warmer, windy, and stormy weather into the region late Tuesday night and continue through Wednesday. The Portland National Weather Service has issued a wind and flood advisory for the Willamette Valley that lasts through Wednesday. This comes as the Storm Prediction Center issues a rare "Marginal Risk" for severe weather for the Oregon and Washington Coast on Wednesday.
Thunderstorm threat Wednesday
Thunderstorms are likely along the coast early Wednesday morning and through the afternoon hours. A "Marginal Risk" for severe weather means there is a 1-in-5 chance of seeing severe weather. Severe weather includes large hail, damaging winds, and the potential tornado chance.
A stray thunderstorm or two is possible along the Willamette Valley. The chance is slightly less Wednesday, but does remain.
Flooding concern for western Oregon
Flooding is possible from the Oregon Coast to the Willamette Valley Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. The Flood Advisory issued for much of the area is expected to expire Wednesday evening.
Minor urban flooding is the biggest threat as leaves clog storm drains and the amount of rain continues to increase. Nearly an inch to 2.5 inches of rain is possible Tuesday night through Thursday evening.
Willamette Valley winds Wednesday
Potentially damaging winds are possible along the coast and the Willamette Valley. The Oregon Coast is no stranger to winds of nearly 60 mph, but valley winds could near 45 mph.
The chance to see power outages is possible as tree damage could bring some power lines down Tuesday night into Wednesday. Winds are not expected to decrease until Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Extreme weather can snap branches and bring down entire trees, causing damage and danger.
With a batch of extra windy gusts this week, Chad Honl with Honl Tree Care, and his team are on red alert.
"With the trees still having leaves on them and getting the wind load and the rain we’ll be seeing some more trees fail or limbs fail," he said.
While Portland isn't in peak winter yet, trees weakened by last January's deadly ice storm could pose serious risks this season.
Stay weather aware and stay up to date with the latest forecast with the KOIN 6 Weather Team.