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Gusts up to 55 mph could lead to power outages and traffic hazards Wednesday, forecasters say — but they expect a drier and occasionally sunny weekend.
Warning that gusts of up to 55 mph could trigger power outages and traffic hazards throughout Lane County, the National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24.
Hannah Chandler-Cooley, a meteorologist with the weather service in Portland, said a “pretty strong compact weather system” is forecast along the Northern California coast Tuesday night and is expected to move north, pushing winds from the south into much of western Oregon.
The strongest winds are expected in Lane County from 7 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, she said.
A weather service forecast said Eugene has about a 50% chance of winds above 45 mph Wednesday. The odds of Cottage Grove having similar winds are better than even — 55%, the weather service predicts.
The probability that winds could be stronger than 55 mph is less, the weather service said, with a 20% chance in Eugene and 15% in Cottage Grove.
Rain is expected to accompany the wind, but Chandler-Cooley said it won’t be anything like last week’s atmospheric river, which dumped nearly 3 inches of rain in Eugene Thursday and Friday.
The bad news, she said, is that soils remain saturated, making it easier for high winds to down trees and branches, potentially leading to power outages.
“The message we are passing on to people is just to be prepared for power outages,” Chandler-Cooley said.
Drivers — especially those in high-profile vehicles — should take caution during periods of high winds. Don’t drive over downed power lines; just turn around, she said.
Chandler-Cooley also urged people to secure outdoor objects such as garbage cans or holiday decorations, “so they don’t fly away or become projectiles.”
The Oregon Department of Transportation said drivers should expect winter weather on mountain passes in central and eastern Oregon, with snow and slick conditions continuing through the holiday weekend. Travelers crossing mountain passes should be prepared for winter driving conditions regardless of weather at lower elevations, ODOT said in a press release Tuesday.
While Christmas Eve and Christmas are expected to be wet, forecasts are calling for drier conditions this weekend, with a spot of sunshine and highs around 47 both days.
