Gusty winds have some C.O. impacts; NWS high wind warning expires

(Update: Winds affect Knott Landfill recycling operation, St. Charles drive-thru COVID testing; warning expires)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Central Oregon's blustery winds on Thursday didn't hit the speeds the National Weather Service warned of, but did gust to nearly 40 mph at Bend Airport and had some impacts in the region.

Due to the winds, Deschutes County Solid Waste said it was not accepting yard debris, wood waste or recycling at Knott Landfill. Updates will be posted at http://www.deschutes.org.

Due to strong winds, the drive-thru COVID testing at St. Charles Family Care’s Bend East clinic was closed Thursday. However, the Bend South clinic is open and available for specimen collection until 6 p.m. tonight.

For all other locations, the hospital said to visit https://www.stcharleshealthcare.org/covid-19/covid-testing-locations-and-hours.

The National Weather Service in Pendleton on Wednesday night issued a high wind warning across Central Oregon for much of the day Thursday, warning that gusts could hit 60-65 mph and topple trees and power lines.

The warning was allowed to expire at 3 p.m. Thursday, though forecasters said gusts to 40 mph might linger a while.

The warning was in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and extended to Madras, Prineville and Redmond. Southerly winds 15-25 mph are expected at lower elevations and southwest winds 20-30 mph on the Cascades east slopes, including La Pine and Sunriver, with all areas could see gusts that “will blow down trees and power lines,” forecasters said.

“Widespread power outages are expected,” the NWS warning said. “Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.”

Forecasters said “people should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.”