This story was updated at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Strong winds continued Tuesday morning as power outages were reported across the Eugene metro area.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 2 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts of 45 to 55 mph anticipated.
National Weather Service forecasters said they expect the strongest winds will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday. Some gusts may get up to 60 mph in higher terrain.
Eugene Water & Electric Board reported more than 1,040 customers were without power as of 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Lane Electric Cooperative reported at least 1,376 customers in Eugene were without power as of 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, with the largest outage centered near Veneta, with more than 950 customers without power.
Unsecured objects and tree limbs could be blown around, and the NWS urged extra caution while driving, especially high-profile vehicles.
The high winds will affect the central and south Willamette Valley, as well as lower Columbia, the greater Portland metro area and Vancouver, Washington.
Heavy rain expectedAs Oregon thaws, heavy rain to bring flood risk, high winds, closed ski areas
Electricity providers anticipated outages with the strong winds.
Pacific Power said wind will work it’s way north along the coast overnight with high winds likely in the Willamette Valley and the Portland area by Tuesday morning.
The utility urged residents to check on their emergency outage kits, keep mobile devices charged and revisit family storm preparation plans.
Residents should have the following handy in case of power outages:
- Flashlights
- Battery-operated radio and clocks
- Extra batteries
- Non-perishable foods
- Manual can opener
- Bottled water
- Blankets
Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at [email protected] or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr.