Oregon's Extreme Weather This Week Includes Lightning, 28-ft Surf, Hail, Possible Tornadoes

Updated 03/26/25 at 5:15 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Portland, Oregon) – Some of it is happening right now, but a lot of it is going to hit rather suddenly on Wednesday. (Photo Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

A wild (and somewhat dangerous) set of weather patterns are about to descend on almost all of Oregon and Washington, including the coastline, with a high surf warning starting Thursday on the south Oregon coast; and lightning, thunder, flooding, extremely large hail and maybe even tornadoes hitting the rest of the two states on Wednesday.

UPDATE: NWS said timing for thunderstorms likely 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout NW. Increasing chance of storms being severe

Meanwhile, there's a continued increased chance of sneaker waves on the north coast through the week.

The National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Portland, Medford, Pendleton and Boise are busy firing off advisories and warnings.

For just about everything west of of central Idaho (including Portland, Salem, Grants Pass, Seattle, Pasco, Crater Lake, Pendleton, etc) there is a decent chance of a thunderstorm, and a small chance this can develop into a severe storm. For some areas just west of the Cascades – such as Eugene, Portland, Cougar, Centralia and Silverton - there is a greater chance for these to develop into a serious storm.

Along the Oregon and Washington coast, from Coos Bay into at least Raymond, Washington, there are chances of thunderstorms. South of Coos Bay it does not appear to be an issue.

SEE UPDATES AT - Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather  - Inland Oregon Weather

Wednesday will start off pleasant but then descend quickly.

“There is potential for severe thunderstorms across the area tomorrow from 10AM-8PM PT,” the NWS said. “There is an increased risk for heavy rain, hail, damaging wind gusts, lightning, and even tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Practicing thunderstorm safety can mitigate further hazards.”

The NWS said the chances keep increasing as we get closer to the event. It's also spelling hazardously-large hail and possible tornadoes.

“The Storm Prediction Center has increased the area to a 'Slight Risk' [for lightning storms] which is rare for this portion of the Pacific Northwest,” the NWS said. 'There are increasing chances for severe thunderstorms which could produce wind gusts up to 60 mph and/or hail up to the size of quarters. Remember to go indoors when thunder roars! If you receive a tornado warning, take shelter. Go into a stable building to a basement or the inner most room without windows if possible. Stay put until you get the 'all clear.' “

Power outages are another possibility in all these areas of Oregon and Washington. The NWS said to take precautions for that scenario and be prepared.

Oregon / Washington Coast

There is a high surf warning in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday to 11 a.m. Friday for the south Oregon coast, including Port Orford, Bandon, Reedsport and Brookings. These will be significant.

“Dangerously large breaking waves of 28 to 33 ft,” the NWS said.

On the plus side, that means a large showing at Shore Acres near Coos Bay. It may be windy and rainy, but it could be worth it make a trip there to see the towering breakers.

Courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast

On the north Oregon coast and south Washington coast, there is a greater chance of sneaker waves through Friday. Razor clammers beware, the NWS said, and do not turn your back on the ocean.

Everything from Coos Bay northward may see thunder and lightning Wednesday, including Long Beach, Westport, Seaside, Newport, Yachats, Manzanita and so on.

A high wind warning is in effect for Gold Beach, Port Orford and surrounding areas from Thursday morning through Friday morning. Gusts up to 66 mph are expected.

South Central Oregon

A high wind warning will be in effect from Wednesday night through Friday morning for the Klamath and Lake counties. Gusts up to 70 mph are expected.

Eastern Oregon

Flood warnings are in effect for Burns. The majority of eastern Oregon is also going to see a large amount of rain.

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