PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland General Electric is urging customers across its service area to prepare for possible power outages as a significant windstorm is expected to move into the region on Wednesday, Christmas Eve.
Meteorologists are tracking a stronger storm system than last week’s weather event, with forecasts calling for sustained winds of 20 to 45 miles per hour and gusts reaching up to 65 miles per hour. The storm is expected to affect PGE’s entire service territory and is part of a larger weather system impacting the West Coast from California to Washington.
According to PGE, the windstorm is forecast to arrive Wednesday morning and last through mid-afternoon, potentially creating hazardous conditions and increasing the risk of downed trees and power lines.
With holiday travel and celebrations already underway, the utility said it is taking proactive steps to prepare for possible outages. Crews have been staffed and materials staged at line operation centers to help restore power as quickly as possible if outages occur. PGE meteorologists are also continuing to monitor the developing system.
The utility is encouraging customers to prepare now by assembling an outage kit that includes flashlights or headlamps, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a car charger for electronic devices, a 72-hour supply of food and water, necessary medications, extra blankets, and bottled water for both people and pets.
PGE also emphasized safety, particularly around downed power lines. Customers are advised to stay at least 50 feet away from any downed lines and to always assume they are energized, even if there are no visible sparks. Anyone who encounters a downed power line should call 911 and then report it to PGE.
Generator safety is another concern during outages. PGE warns that portable generators should only be operated outdoors, away from doors, windows, and garages, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. The utility also cautions against overloading generators, using improper extension cords, or attempting to “back feed” power into a home’s electrical system.
Customers experiencing outages can get updates or report issues through multiple channels, including PGE’s outage map online, the PGE mobile app, text alerts, or by calling the company’s automated outage reporting system.
More safety information and winter preparedness tips are available on PGE’s website.
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