PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Strong and severe thunderstorms are forecast over western Oregon and Washington this afternoon.

WEATHER | LATEST STORM TRACKER 2 FORECAST

“This could be an extraordinary day for us,” says Storm Tracker 2 Meteorologist Rhonda Shelby. “We don’t usually see this enhanced possibility of large hail.”

Over the last 24 hours, the Storm Prediction Center says the risk of hail has increased, as has the risk of seeing a tornado.

“Hail should be common with this activity and the strongest updrafts may generate quite large hailstones, possibly exceeding golf ball size, or even larger with a few of the most intense storms,” the Storm Prediction Center said in their latest outlook. “Some tornado risk will also exist, particularly where low-level winds maintain at least a modest easterly component. Damaging winds may also occur.”

Forecast models begin to fire storms in the southern Willamette Valley in the early afternoon and then they will begin to make their way north. Storms are expected in the Portland area just in time for the PM commute. Once the cold front passes to the east of the region, the threat of severe weather will end.

If large hail does form, it could cause damage to vehicles, homes, people, pets, livestock, and crops.

If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued, you should seek shelter immediately.

You need to have a way to receive warnings from the National Weather Service. You can carry a NOAA Weather Radio, download the KATU Weather App, or pay attention to warnings that will come across your phone.

This atmospheric setup is rare for this time of year, and especially west of the Cascades. “According to records dating back to 2002, this is the first day 2 Slight risk issued in March west of the Rockies,” NWS Portland said on Tuesday.

Storm Tracker 2 Meterologists Dave Salesky and Allison Gutleber will be tracking the storms all day long. The latest forecast and analysis will be avaiable on KATU.com, on our social media channels, and KATU News at 4, 5, 6, and 11 p.m.