Local Alert Weather Day: Gusty winds and rain, isolated power outages

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --  Windy and rainy today which may lead to some minor damage in Central Oregon. To our south and west there are several alerts for wind, and although we are not currently under any advisories or warnings, the winds will be robust enough to move objects around. 

The rain is likely to continue off and on until Friday. The mild air, not cold air, will allow the precipitation to be in the form of rain not snow.  The snow levels are high, around 6000 - 8000 feet, so only the highest peaks will see some snow/mix today.

Overall, expect to see cloudy skies and highs reaching the upper 50s. Wind will be the main concern as gusts near 40+ mph are possible. Already seeing a 60mph gust atop Pine Mountain. Granted the higher elevations are much windier, but gusts near 40 have been recorded at lower elevations today as well.

The wet ground may compromise some root systems in the region, which may cause some trees to fall onto power lines. Since there are still leaves on the trees in some areas, the wind will be much more efficient in when impacting the limbs with leaves. Localized power outages may be possible today.

Thursday will be rainy and breezy with steady light rain most of the day.  The total rainfall amounts will be less than an inch for this four-day period of rain, but over the Cascades and into the Valley, more than an inch will be likely.  We are still abnormally dry, according to the Climate Prediction Center, so this soaking rain is beneficial to the region.

Friday will be the last day of the rainy period as high pressure begins to build into the PacNW. Highs will be in the upper 50s to low 60s under partly cloudy skies in the afternoon.

Saturday will be cool and dry with highs in the 50s while Sunday will see temperatures hit the middle 60s.

Please, Stay safe.

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