A powerful Pacific frontal system is bringing strong south winds, downed trees, and a heightened risk of power outages to southwest Washington and northwest Oregon on Monday, December 15.

What the warnings mean

The National Weather Service in Portland has issued a High Wind Warning through 1 PM for the southwest Washington and north Oregon coasts, calling for south winds with gusts up to about 60 mph. Inland from the shoreline, a Wind Advisory is in effect through 4 PM for the Oregon Coast Range and Willapa Hills, where south wind gusts are expected to reach roughly 45–50 mph.

These alerts highlight that coastal headlands, exposed beaches, and ridgelines in the Coast Range and Willapa Hills will feel the strongest winds. Even lower-elevation communities near the coast and in adjacent valleys may experience pockets of damaging gusts, especially where terrain funnels the wind.

Why impacts will be significant

Forecasters emphasize that saturated soils from recent storms will combine with today’s wind to make trees more likely to uproot or shed large limbs. This increases the risk of blocked roads, property damage, and power outages as trees fall into distribution lines and neighborhood feeders.

Past wind events in the Portland and coastal region show that even gusts in the 40–50 mph range can topple trees when roots are loosened by prolonged rain. Rural areas with dense forests and older roadside trees, including the Willapa Hills and Oregon Coast Range, are especially vulnerable to line damage and extended restoration times.[9][6][10]

Staying safe around downed lines

Utilities and safety agencies stress that any downed or sagging wire must be treated as energized, even if it is not arcing or sparking. People are urged to stay at least 50 feet away, keep others back, and immediately contact 911 or their electric utility.

If a vehicle contacts a power line, the safest action is usually to remain inside, call for help, and wait for crews to de‑energize the line unless there is an immediate threat such as fire. Drivers should never attempt to move power lines or drive over them, because lines and supporting poles can shift or re‑energize unexpectedly during restoration work.

Practical steps for today

Residents along the southwest Washington and north Oregon coasts, in the Coast Range, and in the Willapa Hills should secure outdoor items, charge phones and medical devices, and have flashlights and battery-powered radios ready before the strongest winds arrive. Those living near tall or leaning trees, especially in saturated ground, should park vehicles away from large limbs and be prepared for temporary road closures.

During and immediately after the storm, limit travel in forested or rural corridors where falling branches and hidden downed lines are more common, and use extra caution if emergency crews are working in the roadway. Community members can also help emergency responders by reporting downed trees and lines promptly while keeping a safe distance, allowing professional crews and utilities to prioritize the most hazardous locations.

For more information go here:

Portland – National Weather Service https://forecast.weather.gov/