Key Takeaways:
- A windstorm is forecasted to hit the Pacific Northwest on Christmas Eve, with a 20% chance of generating 70 mph winds
- The storm has two possible routes, with the most likely one bringing 35-50 mph winds and potential power outages
- The storm is expected to hit on Wednesday morning and run through the afternoon, affecting holiday travel
- Arborists warn that saturated soils and weakened root support make trees more susceptible to wind damage
- Travelers are advised to exercise caution and give maintenance crews space and patience as they work to keep roads open
Introduction to the Storm
A powerful windstorm is forecasted to hit the Pacific Northwest on Christmas Eve, bringing with it the potential for significant damage and disruption to holiday travel. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Hannah Chandler-Cooley, the storm has a 20% chance of generating 70 mph winds, which could lead to uprooted trees, downed power lines, and travel issues. However, the storm’s trajectory is still uncertain, and it may take a route that would bring less severe winds to the region.
Storm Trajectory and Potential Impact
The storm has two possible routes, with the most likely one taking it east and hitting the Cascade Mountains, resulting in winds of 35-50 mph. This would still lead to some power outages and travel disruptions, but would be less severe than the alternative route, which would bring gusting winds of up to 70 mph across western Oregon and Washington. Chandler-Cooley notes that the storm has a similar structure to the devastating Columbus Day storm of 1962, which killed 46 people and caused widespread destruction. However, she emphasizes that the current storm is not expected to be as severe.
Preparations and Concerns
As the storm approaches, arborists and maintenance crews are preparing for the potential fallout. Josiah Vick, an arborist with PDX Tree Service, notes that the recent string of rainstorms has saturated the soil, making trees more susceptible to wind damage. He warns that trees fed by gutters or sitting in depressions in the ground are particularly vulnerable, and that a combination of wind and weakened root support can lead to trees toppling over. Vick is expecting a busy few weeks, even if the storm only brings winds of 40 mph, and advises homeowners to be aware of the risks and take precautions.
Travel and Safety Advice
With the storm expected to hit on Wednesday morning and run through the afternoon, travelers are advised to exercise caution and plan for potential delays. The Oregon Department of Transportation is preparing maintenance crews to work day and night through the holiday, and travelers are asked to give them space and patience as they work to keep roads open. In the event of a downed power line on a car, authorities recommend calling 911 rather than getting out of the vehicle. Arborists also advise homeowners to call their utility company, such as PGE, if a tree is down on a power line, rather than trying to handle the situation themselves.
Conclusion and Preparations
As the storm approaches, residents and travelers alike are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions. By understanding the potential risks and taking steps to mitigate them, individuals can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Whether the storm brings 35 mph or 70 mph winds, it is essential to be prepared and to prioritize safety above all else. As Vick notes, "we all do the basic things to keep safe on the road, like driving during the daytime, keeping a half tank of fuel in the gas tank, and being aware of standing water on the road." By following this advice and staying vigilant, individuals can navigate the storm and its aftermath with confidence.
