Local utility services were working Monday to restore power to some 1,700 customers after raging winds downed trees and powerlines in Eugene and Springfield.
The National Weather Service in Portland posted a wind advisory effective from noon to 4 p.m. The advisory warned of “south winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.”
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,” NWS stated. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.”
According to the Springfield Utility Board, nearly 1,500 customers were affected by power outages Monday morning.
The outages, caused by strong winds and heavy rain, affected the Glenwood, Centennial, Mohawk and Downtown Springfield areas. Scattered power outages have also been reported in other neighborhoods.
University of Oregon staff investigate the scene after a tree fell near University Hall injuring a person walking on a path nearby during a wind gust Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon.
“SUB crews are working diligently to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. SUB urges any customers who have not yet reported their outage to call our hotline at 541-746-8451,” Springfield officials said.
According to officials with the Eugene Water and Electric Board, over 200 customers in Eugene were affected by outages as of noon.
Springfield home damaged by fallen tree limbs
Sarah Keim was looking out the window of her home near the intersection of 25th Street and A Street in Springfield just before noon on Monday when she heard a loud snapping noise and a crash. She ran outside to discover three large tree limbs had fallen into the roof of her home and on top of her family’s cars.
“It was windy for less than five minutes,” Keim said. “I was looking out the window and we heard a big snap and three large tree limbs fell on our cars and on the roof of our house. It was nothing that we were expecting.”
Keim said she had the trees inspected following the ice storm in January, 2024 and was told they were perfectly fine. She said it was disappointing to find out the trees were not, in fact, fine.
“I guess the wind was a little stronger than the ice storm,” Keim said. “Both of our cars are totaled and we probably need a new roof.
Since the incident occurred, Keim said she’s been playing phone tag with insurance. So far, the damage won’t prevent her family from living in the home.
“We’re just going to deal with debris and hope insurance works out for the best,” Keim said. “I’m grateful that we’re ok and our dogs are ok. I guess we’re just a little shocked and trying to navigate. It kind of feels like your life goes on hold but you still have to continue on.”
Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Power outages, wind storm in Eugene and Springfield, Oregon
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