The National Weather Service is warning that high winds could hit Central Oregon and other areas of the state starting at 8 p.m. tonight.
The high wind warning issued today will continue through 11 p.m. Monday. A large storm system is bringing high winds that could reach 30 mph to 45 mph, with gusts of 50 mph to 65 mph, according to the weather service website.
On highways through the mountain passes in the Cascades “it’s going to be pretty bad because it’s going to be a complete crosswind," said Ann Adams, an assistant forecaster with the National Weather Service in Pendleton. “So driving and trucking will be challenging. These are going to be high wind speeds so we may see some trees or branches coming down, so they could come down on power lines. We could have some power outages."
Winds could be strong enough to send patio furniture or holiday decorations flying, Adams said.