PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Strong to severe storms are possible east of the Cascades today in Oregon and Washington.
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Daytime heating will combine with increasing humidity moving into the region from the southeast.
Storms will increase in coverage this afternoon across southeastern Oregon before lifting northwest later in the day.
The Storm Prediction Center says there is a Marginal and Slight risk for portions of central Oregon and Washington.
“All hazards are in play today, including a small risk of tornadoes,” said Storm Tracker 2 Digital Meteorologist Bobby Corser. “The highest likelihood of severe weather will likely come from strong winds near vigorous thunderstorms.”
The SPC has placed portions of the region under a “CIG-1” rating for wind, meaning thunderstorms could produce wind gusts exceeding 75 mph. Other storms could produce severe gusts greater than 57 mph.
“As storms move into this region during the late afternoon to evening timeframe, it is possible a more extensive threat for severe gusts develops,” SPC said. “Regardless, severe outflow both with the stronger cores and linearly oriented clusters appear to be the main hazard.”
Thursday’s storm risk along with tornado, wind, and hail risk across the state – Storm Tracker 2 Weather
Large hail, an inch in diameter or larger, is also possible with the strongest storms.
Forecast models previously showed thunderstorms and showers moving into the eastern Portland metro area, but this morning’s latest runs no longer support that scenario.
The central Columbia River Gorge, including Hood River and The Dalles, are in the area of concern.
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“There is still a small chance we could see some thunderstorms drift into the Willamette Valley this afternoon,” Corser said. “If we do get a storm, it will remain below severe limits, with lightning as the primary concern.”
Forecasts later combine the cells into a squall-line-like feature before they weaken overnight.
If you are in the Gorge, central or eastern Oregon and Washington, make sure you have a way to receive weather watches and warnings.
