A powerful line of storms is moving through the Portland metro area and parts of western Oregon and southwest Washington today, bringing heavy rain, large hail, damaging winds, and a rare but real risk of tornadoes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland has issued multiple alerts, warning that today’s weather is “abnormally high” in severity for the Pacific Northwest. As of 12:38 PM PDT, storms began firing up across the region, prompting concern among forecasters and local emergency services.
According to the NWS Portland, thunderstorms are expected across the region today with a 30–45% chance of severe development, peaking between 2 PM and 8 PM PDT. Forecasters are warning of wind gusts up to 60 mph, hail measuring up to 1 inch in diameter—and potentially up to 2.5 inches in some areas—and frequent lightning, based on a 1:02 AM PDT update. The most concerning element: a small but significant tornado threat. While odds remain low at 2–4%, the region rarely experiences tornadoes at all, which makes today’s setup especially noteworthy. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) upgraded the region to a Level 2 “Slight Risk,” with the I-5 corridor from Eugene to Kelso identified as the highest concern zone.
While Portland remains the focal point, the storm threat extends well beyond the city. Western Oregon and southwest Washington are both under the gun. The NWS has highlighted a broad “dark green” zone covering cities from Salem and Hillsboro to Gresham and Vancouver, WA, with coastal counties like Clatsop, Tillamook, and Lincoln also included in alerts.
Roughly 1.5 million residents live within the impacted area. Commuters, students, and those in older or more vulnerable housing are particularly at risk should trees fall or hail cause vehicle and property damage. Beachgoers are also being warned of sneaker waves through March 28, according to the NWS.
Today’s threat is active now and expected to peak mid-afternoon into early evening. The NWS issued alerts on March 25 for the time window of 10 AM to 8 PM PDT, with 2–6 PM expected to bring the strongest cells. The Portland metro remains at the center of activity, with the I-5 corridor as the most likely path.
Though storms are expected to taper off around 7:30 PM as atmospheric instability decreases, conditions may remain volatile into the early evening.
Why This Is Unusual for the Region
Thunderstorms are not uncommon in the Pacific Northwest, but the intensity of today’s weather system stands out. Tornadoes are exceedingly rare—Oregon typically sees just one or two per year, usually weak EF0s. The NWS labeled today’s storm chances “abnormally high,” and the setup—warm, moist air colliding with a strong low-pressure system and upper-level winds—resembles classic Midwest spring storm patterns. “Supercells west of the Cascades are not common,” the SPC noted. Today’s conditions could produce rotating thunderstorms typically seen in Tornado Alley, not the Willamette Valley.
As of 12:38 PM PDT, radar shows active storms moving into the Portland area, with early cells already triggering lightning and heavy rain. With the ground already saturated from earlier rainfall, trees may be more prone to falling during gusty periods. Large hail could damage vehicles, and the isolated tornado risk remains active. No damage has been confirmed yet, but concerns remain. Power outages are also possible—similar windstorms in February knocked out electricity for more than 10,000 residents, according to OPB.
NWS officials are urging residents to stay off the roads if possible, secure loose outdoor items, and seek shelter at the first sign of lightning. If conditions hold, the weather should ease by 8 PM.