Thunderstorm & Hail Threat Prompts Warning for Gorge Communities
THE DALLES, Ore. (CCCNews) — Residents in the Columbia River Gorge region are being urged to prepare for potentially severe weather conditions beginning Wednesday afternoon, according to forecasts issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
In The Dalles, the day will start relatively calm, but conditions are expected to deteriorate later in the afternoon, with a 30% chance of thunderstorms developing after 5 p.m. Some storms could become severe, bringing risks of hail and strong, damaging winds. High temperatures are expected to reach 76°F. Severe conditions will persist into the night, with thunderstorms nearly certain and gusts potentially reaching 24 mph. Rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch are anticipated overnight.
In nearby Hood River, the severe weather threat begins slightly earlier, with thunderstorms possible after 4 p.m. The probability of storms increases significantly overnight, reaching 100%. Forecasters predict similar impacts, including damaging winds and substantial rainfall, totaling up to half an inch. Temperatures will peak around 73°F during the day and drop to around 46°F overnight.
Across the Columbia River in Trout Lake, Washington, residents can also expect deteriorating conditions late Wednesday afternoon. Thunderstorms may become severe after 2 p.m., with rainfall and wind gusts up to 30 mph overnight. Rain accumulation is forecasted between a quarter and half an inch, and overnight temperatures will dip to around 41°F.
Severe weather is projected to continue through Thursday and into Friday across the region, with persistent rainfall and additional thunderstorms possible. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local media and NOAA weather updates, securing loose objects outdoors, and preparing for potential power outages or interruptions to travel.
Authorities remind residents to seek shelter indoors if severe weather occurs and remain vigilant to updated weather alerts as conditions evolve.
