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Christmas Eve Wind Advisory Puts Oregon on Alert for Damaging Gusts and Power Outages

Uncertainty over timing prompts statewide preparations.

Overview

  • Forecasters have issued a Wednesday wind advisory from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the strongest winds expected in a 2–4 hour window that remains difficult to pinpoint.
  • Gusts are most likely to reach 35–40 mph in the Willamette Valley and 55–60 mph along the coast and Cascades, with a smaller chance of 60–70 mph bursts across parts of the region.
  • Saturated soils and previously loosened trees raise the risk of falling limbs and uproots, increasing the likelihood of downed lines and localized outages.
  • Portland General Electric has added crews and materials for faster repairs and urges people to call 911 for downed lines before reporting to PGE at 503-464-7777.
  • State officials warn of hazardous travel from mountain snow and coastal winds, advising checks of TripCheck.com or 511, while Portland’s airport reports normal operations but urges early arrival and flight-status checks.