by Bobby Corser – Digital Meteorologist

Tue, March 25th 2025 at 11:09 AM

Updated Wed, March 26th 2025 at 11:15 PM

Liz Putney – Lightning submitted via Chime In

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The threat of severe thunderstorms in western Oregon and Washington has increased over the last 24 hours.

WEATHER | LATEST STORM TRACKER 2 FORECAST

“Severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday afternoon and evening. A more probable corridor for a few supercells is apparent west of the Cascades. These may produce large hail, a brief tornado, and locally strong gusts,” The Storm Prediction Center said in a forecast discussion.

Forecasters say large hail of 2 to 2.5 inches is possible before storms weaken over the Cascades.

Storms will likely begin to fire around 2 p.m. based on the latest forecast models.

Forecast models show thunderstorms in the Portland metro area around the afternoon commute.

By 7:30 p.m., storms should be below severe levels as the atmosphere begins to lose energy.

“Confidence is sufficient for an upgrade to level 2-Slight risk for large hail, centered along the I-5 corridor in western Oregon/Washington.”

Storm Tracker 2 Meteorologists Dave Salesky and Allison Gutleber will have the latest information throughout the day on Tuesday, and Rhonda Shelby will have the latest information on KATU News this morning beginning at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.