Winds will get worse
By Terry Murry on Saturday, January 7th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The National Weather Service extended the high wind advisory that had been set to expire at 7 p.m. today (Saturday) until 1 a.m. Sunday. At that time, the advisory is being replaced with a high wind warning in effect until 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon along the foothills of the northern Blue Mountains.
The warning calls for damaging sustained winds of 30 to 45 miles per hour with gusts of up to 65. The strongest winds are expected along the base and slope of the Blue Mountains impacting Interstate 84, Highway 11, and Highway 395. Pilot Rock, Mission, and Weston are specifically mentioned in the warning.
It is expected that the winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are predicted and travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
People are urged to avoid being outside around trees, branches, and in forested areas. It is also advised that if possible, inhabitants should remain in the lower levels of their homes and avoid windows.
Map: Gold is high wind warning, tan is high wind advisory, purple is winter weather watch. More details at https://www.weather.gov/pdt/
