- **Q: What exactly causes thunderstorms?
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ARTICLE DETAIL
Thunderstorms Threaten Western Washington and Oregon Wednesday | Severe Weather Threatens Mid-South, Tennessee, and Kentucky | Georgia Weather Seesaw: Storms, Heat, and Cool Down | Blizzard Warning Issued for Cascades as Winter Storm Approaches | Inland Northwest Weather Update: High Winds and Rainy Week Ahead | Severe Weather Forecast Across the Midwest | Phoenix Weather: Storms Followed by Potential Record Heat | Preparing for Snowmelt and Basement Flooding Risks | Metro Detroit Weather Outlook: Warm Start, Stormy Mid-Week, and Cooler Temperatures to Follow | Thunderstorms Threaten Western Washington and Oregon Wednesday | Severe Weather Threatens Mid-South, Tennessee, and Kentucky | Georgia Weather Seesaw: Storms, Heat, and Cool Down | Blizzard Warning Issued for Cascades as Winter Storm Approaches | Inland Northwest Weather Update: High Winds and Rainy Week Ahead | Severe Weather Forecast Across the Midwest | Phoenix Weather: Storms Followed by Potential Record Heat | Preparing for Snowmelt and Basement Flooding Risks | Metro Detroit Weather Outlook: Warm Start, Stormy Mid-Week, and Cooler Temperatures to Follow
Weather / Pacific Northwest
Thunderstorms Threaten Western Washington and Oregon Wednesday
Residents in western Washington and parts of western Oregon should prepare for potential thunderstorms on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Unseasonably warm temperatures colliding with an incoming cold front are creating unstable atmospheri...
Key Insights
- **Timing:** Storms are most likely between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
- **Location:** Widespread potential across western Washington, with the I-5 corridor from Eugene, OR, to Seattle, WA, highlighted for risk.
- **Main Threats:** Thunderstorms bringing heavy rain, cloud-to-ground lightning, strong wind gusts (potentially over 58 mph), and hail.
- **Hail Risk:** There's a notable risk of hail, including potentially severe hail (1 inch+ diameter). The Storm Prediction Center notes a possibility of isolated 2-2.5 inch hail. Large hail is uncommon in the Pacific Northwest.
- **Tornado Risk:** A low (2-4%) chance of a tornado exists along the I-5 corridor.
- **Why This Matters:** These conditions pose risks including localized flooding, power outages, damage from wind and hail, and lightning strikes. The potential for large hail is particularly unusual for the region.
In-Depth Analysis
The forecast for Wednesday stems from a classic setup for convective weather. Warm, moist air near the surface, with temperatures expected in the 60s, provides the fuel. As a cold front approaches, it acts as the trigger ('nudge') lifting this unstable air rapidly into the colder upper atmosphere. According to NOAA, this process involves moisture, unstable rising air, and lift – all ingredients present on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) and Storm Prediction Center (SPC) have indicated a "Marginal Risk" to "Slight Risk" for severe thunderstorms. The primary concern is hail. There's a 15-29% chance of hail over 1 inch from Everett south through the I-5 corridor into Oregon, with a 10% chance of 2-inch hail in the same area. While large hail is more common in the Midwest, the PNW has seen it before; Oregon's record is a 4-inch stone in 1995. Strong wind gusts (up to 14% chance of >58 mph) are also possible.
**Who This Affects Most:** Residents, commuters, and businesses in western Washington and the northern Willamette Valley in Oregon, especially those along the I-5 corridor. Outdoor workers and those with travel plans during the late afternoon/evening are particularly exposed.
**How to Prepare:** * Stay informed: Monitor updates from the NWS via weather radio or local news apps. * Secure outdoor items: Tie down or bring inside objects like patio furniture, trampolines, and garbage cans that could be blown around by strong winds. * Have a plan: Know where to seek shelter (lowest floor, interior room, away from windows) if a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued. * Prepare for outages: Charge electronic devices and have flashlights ready. * Vehicle safety: Avoid parking under trees. If caught driving in hail, pull over safely if possible.
FAQ
- **Q: How likely is *severe* weather?
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- **Q: Is large hail common here?
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Takeaways
- Be aware of potentially hazardous weather conditions Wednesday afternoon and evening.
- The main threats are heavy rain, lightning, strong winds, and potentially large hail.
- Take basic precautions like securing outdoor items and staying updated on weather alerts.
- Have a safety plan in case severe weather warnings are issued for your area.
Discussion
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Sources
KING 5 News: Thunderstorms possible across much of western Washington on Wednesday
KATU News / Storm Prediction Center (Information synthesized from provided text)
Disclaimer
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