Flooding, strong winds and T-storms are expected in Oregon, Washington

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Heavy rains, damaging winds and the risk of thunderstorms are expected for western Oregon and southwest Washington through Wednesday.

A strong atmospheric river will bring warmer, windy and stormy weather to the region late Tuesday evening and continue into Wednesday. The Portland National Weather Service has issued a wind and flood warning for the Willamette Valley that is in effect through Wednesday. This comes as Storm Prediction Center gives a rare “Borderline risk” for severe weather along the Oregon and Washington coasts on Wednesday.

There is a risk of thunderstorms on Wednesday

Thunderstorms are expected along the coast early Wednesday morning and in the afternoon hours. A “borderline risk” for severe weather means there is a 1 in 5 chance of experiencing severe weather. Severe weather includes large hail, damaging winds and the possibility of a tornado.

The National Weather Service confirms a tornado touched down on the Oregon Coast

An isolated thunderstorm or two is possible along the Willamette Valley. The probability is slightly lower on Wednesday, but remains.

Flood risk for western Oregon

Flooding is possible from the Oregon Coast to the Willamette Valley Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. The flood warning issued for large parts of the area is expected to expire on Wednesday evening.

Atmospheric river brings heavy rain to Portland

Minor urban flooding poses the greatest threat as leaves clog storm drains and rainfall continues to increase. Nearly 1 to 2.5 inches of rain is possible Tuesday night through Thursday evening.

Willamette Valley winds Wednesday

Damaging winds may be possible along the coast and in the Willamette Valley. The Oregon Coast is no stranger to winds near 60 mph, but valley winds could approach 45 mph.

What are king tides? The Oregon Coast is experiencing exceptionally high tides

There is a possibility of power outages as tree damage could cause some power lines to be down Tuesday night into Wednesday. Winds are not expected to ease until Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Extreme weather can break branches and topple entire trees, causing damage and danger.

With a series of particularly windy gusts occurring this week, Chad Honl of Honl Tree Care and his team are on alert.

“With the trees still bearing leaves and exposed to wind load and rain, we will see more trees or branches fail,” he said.

Even though Portland is not yet in peak winter, trees weakened by last January's deadly ice storm could pose a serious risk this season.

Keep up with the weather with the KOIN 6 Weather Team and stay updated with the latest weather forecast.

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