Windstorm topples trees, downs power lines and blocks major highways between Central and Western Oregon

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A windstorm that swept across Oregon overnight toppled numerous trees and power lines that blocked the major highways between Central and Western Oregon.

Some power outages also were reported in the High Desert region, though not to the extent of Western Oregon and southwest Washington, where KGW reported more than 200,000 people lost power.

A high wind warning was in place for much of the region until 4 p.m. Wednesday, with more 30-40 mph winds and gusts to 65 mph possible. A winter weather advisory also was in place for the east slopes of the Cascades, with 2-4 more inches and winds gusting to 55 mph.

ODOT's TripCheck map at mid-morning Wednesday showed state a 16-mile stretch of state Highway 22 in the Gates area closed by downed trees, but it had reopened by late morning. An 18-mile segment of Highway 126 was closed just east of Vida.

A 20-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 20 was closed 10 miles east of Cascadia State Park, while U.S. Highway 26 was closed a mile east of Welches by downed power lines, though crews had it cleared and reopened by late morning.

ODOT Region 4 Public Information Officer Kacey Davey told KTVZ News, "Now that crews have daylight, they are continuing to assess conditions and work to safely clear trees and coordinate with utility partners to address downed power lines before the highways can reopen."

For several hours, the only travel options over the mountains to the Willamette Valley were on Highway 58 at Willamette Pass, or north to Interstate 84.

Other closures around the state due to downed trees included OR 138 from west of Toketee to the U.S. 97 junction (MP 58-99), OR 62 between Prospect and east of Union Creek (MP 44-65) and OR 230 from Union Creek to OR 138 (Diamond Lake Junction).

ODOT pointed to widespread impacts on roads across the state, including downed trees, fallen limbs and downed power lines. Officials said conditions are expected to continue and may change or worsen as high winds persist throughout the day.

ODOT crews were out through the night responding statewide, clearing debris and downed trees where conditions allow and working closely with utility companies where power lines are involved. In areas where high winds are continuing and trees are still falling, it is not safe to begin clearing until conditions improve.

Power outages may affect traffic signals, highway message signs and TripCheck cameras. Travelers should expect delays to continue throughout the day as cleanup and repairs progress. Road conditions, closures and impacts are changing quickly. Travelers should check Tripcheck.com for the latest information before heading out.

Safety tips

• Stay away from downed power lines and assume all lines are live.
• Treat intersections with dark traffic signals as four-way stops.
• Use extra caution while traveling, as trees and limbs may still be falling in windy conditions.
• Slow down and watch for crews and equipment working along roadways.
• Do not drive around closure points. Roads are closed because they are unsafe or impassable. ODOT has received reports of vehicles driving over downed trees and around closures, putting themselves and others at risk.
• Do not rely on GPS, which may direct drivers onto closed or unsafe roads.
• Be prepared for unexpected delays or detours.

ODOT urged travelers to delay non-essential trips if possible, and to plan ahead for changing conditions.

Drivers can find the latest road conditions and weather information at TripCheck.com, which provides real-time updates. 

Pacific Power crews responded to widespread outages across Oregon and Washington related to the storm that hit the region with high winds and rain, affecting about 50,000 customers. The most significant impacts were in Clatsop County and the mid-Willamette Valley. Due to severe storm damage, the utility said some customers in those areas may be without power overnight.  

Meanwhile, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, the Department of Land Conservation and Development and the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant as landslide hazards increase across western Oregon, particularly in Lincoln County, where a recent, significant landslide event that blocked state Highway 229 continues to pose serious safety risks.

The state says the landslide, which began on Dec. 12, has destabilized the terrain in the affected area. The ground remains highly unstable, and the approaching atmospheric river is expected to worsen conditions. ODOT geologists and engineers have been conducting aerial assessments using LIDAR and drone technology, but have not been able to safely enter the site due to ongoing ground movement.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through Thursday night for multiple counties, including Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill. The heaviest rainfall in Oregon will be Thursday and Friday, then will shift further south during the weekend. Heavy rainfall may trigger landslides and debris flows, especially in steep terrain and areas affected by recent wildfires.