A strong disturbance coupled with abnormally warm temperatures will make conditions favorable for strong to severe storms, mainly along I-5, in Washington and Oregon today.
While March is typically too cool for severe storms in the Pacific Northwest, a large ridge of high pressure over the Intermountain West is pushing temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal. Meanwhile, a strong and mature storm system in the East Pacific will begin making its way onshore in the Northwest later today, pushing moisture into the region.
The resulting instability from the increase in temperatures and moisture combined with the strong winds from the storm system will be enough for scattered thunderstorms to develop in Washington and Oregon this afternoon and evening. While large hail will be the main threat with these storms, they could also contain gusty winds and perhaps a tornado or two.
A Slight Risk has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center for the I-5 corridor from Seattle southward through Portland and Eugene, Ore. A larger Marginal Risk covers most of the rest of Washington, Oregon, and far western Idaho.
Be sure to check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"
