Pacific Northwest, Rockies, Northern Plains, and Upper Midwest Face Dangerous 50–90 mph Wind Gusts From Major Windstorm Through Wednesday
WASHINGTON — A powerful windstorm is sweeping across a large portion of the western and central United States, bringing damaging wind gusts between 50 and 90 mph from tonight through Wednesday. The impacted regions include the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain West, Southern California, the Rockies, the Northern Plains, and parts of the Upper Midwest, according to the latest forecasts.
Major Windstorm Targets Multiple States
Weather alerts across the West and central U.S. include High Wind Warnings, High Wind Watches, and Wind Advisories, indicating widespread hazardous conditions. The storm is moving eastward over the next 24 to 36 hours, pushing strong winds across several states simultaneously.
Areas under alert include:
- Washington, Oregon, Idaho
- California (including SoCal) and Nevada
- Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado
- North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska
- Minnesota and Iowa (western portions)
These regions are expected to experience the strongest wind impacts, with localized gusts approaching 90 mph in higher terrain and open plains.
Hazards: Power Outages, Tree Damage, and Dangerous Travel
Forecasters warn that this multi-state wind event could cause:
- Widespread power outages
- Downed trees and damaged structures
- Extremely hazardous travel, especially for trucks and high-profile vehicles
- Reduced visibility due to blowing dust or snow in some elevated regions
Residents in the affected zones are urged to secure outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel during peak wind periods, and prepare for possible extended outages.
Timing of the Strongest Winds
The strongest winds are expected:
- Tonight into early Wednesday for the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West
- Late Tuesday through Wednesday afternoon for the Rockies and Northern Plains
- Wednesday morning for portions of the Upper Midwest
This broad wind field makes the system one of the more significant December wind events for the western U.S. in recent months.
NapervilleLocal.com will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available. Stay weather-aware and follow local advisories if you live in or are traveling through the impacted regions.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.