PORTLAND, Ore. — KGW has issued a Weather Impact Alert for the Oregon Coast and the Willamette Valley south of Portland due to high winds Friday.
When
A high-wind warning is in effect for the north and central Oregon Coast up into south Washington, with south winds of 25 to 35 mph with 50-60 mph gusts expected from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. KGW meteorologist Rod Hill said he expects the strongest threat of high winds from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
It will be windy in the Willamette Valley south of Portland on Friday, too, with a wind advisory in effect from McMinnville south through Albany from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. South winds of 15 to 25 mph with wind gusts up to 35-45 mph are expected.
Impact
High winds on the coast would blow down trees and power lines, the National Weather Service (NWS) reports, adding that widespread power outages are expected. The NWS said tree limbs could be blown down and some power outages could happen in the south Willamette Valley.
Need
The NWS said that traffic will be challenging on the coast, especially for vehicles more likely to be affected by high winds, such as semis, RVs and some pickup trucks. People should be extra cautious when driving in the Willamette Valley. And people should secure items like garbage cans that could be blown around by gusty winds.
What are Weather Impact Alert days?
It’s our goal to make sure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information about the weather and its impact on you. The new KGW Weather Impact Alerts will be just that, alerts as far in advance as possible, so that you can be armed with accurate information to keep yourself and your family safe.