High Wind in Southern Willamette Valley, Oregon

A rapidly developing low pressure system moved into the Southern Willamette Valley from the South Oregon Coast, generating the strongest winds in 40 years in parts of Linn and eastern Lane counties. Trees downed by the 50 to 70 mph wind gusts temporarily closed roads, damaged homes, cars, and businesses, and knocked out power to thousands of residents. In Eugene alone 100 trees, some three feet in diameter and 80 to 100 feet tall, were uprooted. At the University of Oregon four automobiles were crushed by falling trees. Two semi-trucks were blown over on Highway 20. The University of Oregon estimated damage at $60,000 ($40,000 to replace trees, $20,000 to repair building damage). Power losses include: Pacific Power 56,000 customers, Emerald People's Utility District 17,000 customers, Eugene Water and Electric Board 18,000 customers, Lane Electric 2300 customers and Springfield Utility Board 10,000 to 12,000 customers. Consumer Power suffered $1.2 million in losses, and Eugene Water and Electric Board $1.5 million. In Lane County one mobile home and two homes were destroyed, ten sustained major damage and 18 minor damage. In Linn County 91 homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged (31 had major damage another 15 were destroyed or uninhabitable). The Linn County Assessor put the market value at $4.5 million. Linn County Parks estimated damage at $100,000. In summary, Linn and Lane County suffered at least $4.5 and possibly $6 million in uninsured losses to public facilities, mostly utilities. The Oregon State Emergency Management Office has requested federal assistance in the amount of $3.8 million for Lane County and $1.3 million for Linn County. Four injuries were reported, one of which was considered serious: three in cars crushed by falling trees, the other by a falling branch. NO fatalities were reported.