QuickTake:

An incoming atmospheric river could bring widespread rain, strong winds and possible power outages to western Oregon, including in Eugene and Springfield, according to the National Weather Service. Utilities and public works officials say they prepare year-round for storms like this.

National Weather Service meteorologists are tracking a powerful storm coming through the Pacific Northwest that could bring rounds of widespread rain and heavy winds to Eugene and Springfield.

It is part of a seasonal weather pattern called an atmospheric river, a long band of concentrated moisture that travels through the air. This weather often marks the end of the wildfire season and helps replenish the water supply, but can also cause power outages and flooding. 

Eugene Water & Electric Board, Springfield Utility Board, and Lane County Public Works are monitoring the incoming weather and will implement plans to restore outages safely and quickly.

Both utilities follow their own response plans, and over the past year, both have had outages impacting more than 1,000 customers each when gusting winds blew through the region.

Here’s what is being monitored:

Tracking 35 mph winds 

The atmospheric river stems from the Gulf of Alaska and pulls in moisture from the tropical southern Pacific Ocean. 

Thursday is expected to stay mostly dry before the storm moves inland to Eugene and Springfield. Rain and breezy conditions will develop Friday, with possible wind gusts reaching 25 to 30 mph, according to meteorologist Lee Picard. The gusts could increase to 30 to 35 mph Saturday, with a 10% chance of 45 to 50 mph gusts.

“With many trees still holding onto leaf cover, these winds would likely result in much more widespread wind damage and power outages,” he said. “Breezy winds will likely linger through at least Sunday before easing.” 

Meanwhile, rain totals could hit more than an inch by Saturday morning, marking the start of a soggy stretch of days. A wet pattern could stick around into next week, with another 1-2.5 inches of rain from Saturday morning through next Tuesday, Picard explained. At higher elevations in the Cascade Mountains, showers could turn into snow.

How EWEB prepares and monitors 

EWEB conducts emergency response drills year-round along with ongoing equipment maintenance, according to spokesperson Aaron Orlowski. Such maintenance includes grid hardening — upgrading poles and wires to withstand stronger winds — and trimming trees for hundreds of miles along power lines each year. 

Should a large outage hit, EWEB’s team follows a “hierarchy of repair,” restoring main transmission and distribution lines first to reach the most customers before moving to smaller service lines. 

These efforts led to a reliable power supply for nearly all its customers last year, but with the January 2021 ice storm that reliability dropped to 91%, according to metrics provided by Orlowski.

Looking ahead to the approaching storm, Orlowski said, “EWEB is closely watching the weather forecast, and we’re ensuring that equipment is in place and staff are on standby.” 

Nearly 51% of EWEB’s powerlines are buried, with the other 49% overhead. 

EWEB customers experiencing an outage can report it at 1-844-484-2300 and can check the outage map.

How SUB prepares and monitors 

SUB does routine line and clearance inspections, pole and cable replacement and substation maintenance, spokesperson Zak Gosa-Lewis said. 

“The work SUB does every day, rain or shine, is all part of our work to prevent outages as we are able,” he said. 

He said the utility also has a four-year tree trimming cycle for its coverage area, with more frequent trimmings in high-growth areas. SUB’s system has about 60% overhead power lines and 40% underground, Gosa-Lewis said. New residential developments generally have underground electric lines.

He said SUB is prepared to respond to outages with a 24-hour on-call program. 

“As the fall/winter season progresses, our fleet and warehouse team make preparations for vehicles, equipment, materials and backup generator readiness to prepare for the possibility of an outage and response,” Gosa-Lewis said. 

Customers can report outages by calling 541-746-8451.

Gosa-Lewis said the utility provides outage maps on its website for unplanned incidents and posts updates as situations evolve. The utility also posts outage information to its Facebook page.  

Urban flooding possible

River flooding is unlikely despite the heavy rain, as water levels remain low after months of regional drought. However, small-stream and minor urban flooding are possible if rainfall rates become intense.

Fallen leaves could also cause ponding on roads and in low-lying areas. Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield are preparing to launch their annual leaf collection programs. (Maps of collection zones for Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County are available online.)

Clearing leaves from grates and gutters helps stormwater drain properly and prevents local flooding. 

“Those storm drains on curb-and-gutter streets are how we move water off road surfaces so they stay accessible and safe for people to use,” county spokesperson Devon Ashbridge said. 

“If leaves accumulate in front of or around a storm drain, it can prevent water from draining from the road surface and lead to localized flooding on surrounding streets.”

Lane County Public Works will monitor the incoming weather and coordinate with partner agencies if the storm causes any impacts to infrastructure or neighborhoods, Ashbridge said.

This story was updated Oct. 23 to reflect EWEB’s power line composition of underground and overhead lines.

Ashli Blow brings 12 years of experience in journalism and science writing, focusing on the intersection of issues that impact everyone connected to the land — whether private or public, developed or forested.