Eastern Oregon residents are being urged to stay alert as a powerful windstorm slams Pendleton — with the worst conditions hitting Wednesday afternoon and evening.
High Wind Warning in effect through late Wednesday night. Gusts up to 49 mph. Blowing dust possible after 8 a.m. — especially along open highways in Umatilla County.
A powerful windstorm is tearing through eastern Oregon on Wednesday, and forecasters say conditions could become outright dangerous for drivers, especially those operating high-profile vehicles on open highways.
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the Pendleton area, with west winds expected between 17 and 31 mph — and gusts reaching as high as 49 mph at peak intensity during Wednesday afternoon. The warning remains in effect through late Wednesday night.
What to expect hour by hour
Wednesday morning will start with showers before conditions turn increasingly windy through the afternoon. After 8 a.m., patchy blowing dust is likely to reduce visibility across open stretches of road in Umatilla County and surrounding areas. Drivers of trucks, RVs, and trailers face the highest risk from dangerous crosswinds.
Rain chances ease Wednesday evening, but breezy conditions will continue overnight with gusts still approaching 39 mph. Temperatures will dip into the lower 40s by midnight.
7-day forecast at a glance
Relief is coming. Sunshine returns Thursday as winds gradually weaken and temperatures climb to a comfortable 69°F. The weekend looks largely calm and sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 60s. By Monday and Tuesday of next week, temperatures are expected to rebound into the 70s.
What you should do right now
- Secure all loose outdoor items — furniture, decorations, yard equipment — before Wednesday afternoon.
- Drivers of high-profile vehicles should avoid open highway travel during peak wind hours Wednesday afternoon and evening.
- Expect sudden visibility drops from blowing dust after 8 a.m., particularly in rural Umatilla County.
- Check NWS forecasts regularly — conditions can shift rapidly during active wind events.
