Thunderstorms, winds, hail predicted March 26

from the National Weather Service, Portland, and staff reports

The stage is set for a rare and unusual weather event Wednesday, as the March 26 forecast calls for weather more typical of the Great Plains than the Upper Willamette.

The area is expected to see severe thunderstorms, high winds with gusts up to 60 miles per hour, hail up to two inches in diameter, and conditions that could create supercells, the type of thunderstorm with a rotating updraft that can produce tornadoes.

Wednesday is predicted to start warm, then become active during the afternoon with showers and possibly severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours. There is also the potential for strong damaging winds within thunderstorms, when the core of the thunderstorm collapses.

The National Weather Service bumped the area’s risk level Tuesday afternoon from marginal to slight, the first time this risk level has been issued in March west of the Rockies (according to records dating back to 2002).

High winds can often lead to downed trees, branches, and power lines. Review or follow EWEB power outages online, call EWEB at 1-844-484-2300, or text OUT to TXEWEB (893932). You must complete all prompts to record your outage.

Eugene residents can report flooding and tree hazards in the public right of way by calling 541-682-4800 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. During other times, call the police non-emergency line at 541-682-5111.