PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for western Oregon and Washington. Thunderstorms have begun to pop west of Salem.
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“This could be an extraordinary day for us,” says Storm Tracker 2 Meteorologist Rhonda Shelby. “We don’t usually see this enhanced possibility of large hail.”
Over the last 24 hours, the Storm Prediction Center says the risk of hail has increased, as has the risk of seeing a tornado.
At 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, SPC issued the first mesoscale discussion for the afternoon’s storm threats. “Supercell development is possible later this afternoon. Large hail, isolated severe gusts, and perhaps a tornado or two are all possible,” the agency said. They also posted a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is likely and put the probability at 80%.
“Hail should be common with this activity and the strongest updrafts may generate quite large hailstones, possibly exceeding golf ball size, or even larger with a few of the most intense storms,” the Storm Prediction Center said in their latest outlook. “Some tornado risk will also exist, particularly where low-level winds maintain at least a modest easterly component. Damaging winds may also occur.”
Forecast models begin to fire storms in the southern Willamette Valley in the early afternoon and then they will begin to make their way north. Storms are expected in the Portland area just in time for the PM commute. Once the cold front passes to the east of the region, the threat of severe weather will end.
If large hail does form, it could cause damage to vehicles, homes, people, pets, livestock, and crops.
If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued, you should seek shelter immediately.
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You need to have a way to receive warnings from the National Weather Service. You can carry a NOAA Weather Radio, download the KATU Weather App, or pay attention to warnings that will come across your phone.
This atmospheric setup is rare for this time of year, and especially west of the Cascades. “According to records dating back to 2002, this is the first day 2 Slight risk issued in March west of the Rockies,” NWS Portland said on Tuesday.
The Oregon Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to be weather aware and have a plan in place should you experience severe weather. They recommend if you experience any of the following conditions to take any warnings seriously.
Heavy Rain, Hail & Flooding
- Slow down while driving to avoid hydroplaning or sliding on hail-covered streets.
- Avoid driving through flooded roadways. Even a few inches can be deadly.
- Watch for water accumulation in low-lying areas.
Tornado Preparedness
- The safest place during a tornado is a basement. If that’s not available, go to the lowest floor of your home in a small interior room—like a closet or bathroom—away from windows.
- Cover yourself with a mattress or sturdy object to protect against debris.
- If caught outside without shelter, lie in a ditch or culvert and cover your head.
Damaging Winds
- Remain indoors and away from windows.
- Don’t park under trees due to falling limb risk.
- Be aware that falling trees may impact power lines, buildings, and roadways.
Power outages are also possible this afternoon and evening. You can track the latest outages by selecting your power provider from the list below.
Storm Tracker 2 Meterologists Dave Salesky and Allison Gutleber will be tracking the storms all day long. The latest forecast and analysis will be avaiable on KATU.com, on our social media channels, and KATU News at 4, 5, 6, and 11 p.m.
