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Good morning, Northwest.
A windstorm coming up from California is expected to create gusty conditions in Oregon and Southwest Washington today.
We start today’s newsletter with the latest forecast for Christmas Eve.
Also this morning, as immigration enforcement ramps up in Washington County, volunteers are working underground to bring essentials to immigrant families afraid to leave their homes.
First Look will be off tomorrow to mark the holiday. We’ll be back in your inbox Friday.
Here’s your First Look at Wednesday’s news.
—Bradley W. Parks
FILE - Pedestrians watch as crews clean up storm damage on NE 24th Avenue on Wednesday, Dec. 17., 2025 in Portland, Ore.
Saskia Hatvany / OPB
Gusty winds expected today throughout the Pacific Northwest
Forecasters are tracking a Christmas Eve windstorm across much of the Pacific Northwest that could bring down trees and power lines.
National Weather Service meteorologist Hannah Chandler-Cooley said peak gusts could be between 35 and 50 mph.
“We could see some isolated power outages due to downed trees and tree limbs,” she said. “Any outdoor decorations could be blown around, and there could be some travel issues as well.”
Travel could be difficult, as winds of 50 mph can push vehicles around, especially trucks and larger SUVs with cargo on the top.
The windstorm is expected to hit Wednesday morning and run through the afternoon, a time when many people are traveling to be with loved ones for Christmas Eve. (Kristian Foden-Vencil)
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Jasmine shops for food at a Mexican grocery store to bring to people in hiding due to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Hillsboro, Ore., on Dec. 5, 2025. Most of the goods they distribute are donations or bought with donation funds the group gathered.
Eli Imadali / OPB
3 things to know this morning
- As federal immigration officers fan out across Oregon cities and suburbs, some immigrant families are opting to stay inside their homes. These Hillsboro neighbors are helping those in hiding by delivering groceries and other essentials. (Holly Bartholomew, Alejandro Figueroa)
- The city of Newport is suing the Trump administration in a bid to stop federal officials from building a new immigration detention facility there. (Troy Brynelson)
- The Supreme Court yesterday refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area to support its immigration crackdown. The decision has no direct impact on Oregon’s case, but does start the clock for the appeals court. (Associated Press)
Rachel Cutrell and her baby Maxine Ross greet Beni the llama at the Portland International Airport in Portland, Ore., on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025. Service llamas have become a fixture of the airport's holiday market events in December.
Saskia Hatvany / OPB
Headlines from around the Northwest
- Holiday travel anxiety? Portland airport has therapy llamas and service dogs for that (Saskia Hatvany)
- Whale Watch Week starts Dec. 27 on the Oregon Coast (Kristian Foden-Vencil)
- Diverse Santas give Oregonians an inclusive Christmas icon (Brian Bull)
- Oregon and 20 more Democratic-led states sue White House over consumer protection bureau funding (Ken Sweet)
- Oregon and 18 other states sue HHS over a move that could curtail youth gender-affirming care (Ali Swenson)
- Blazers stage another late comeback, but fall to Magic 110-106 (Associated Press)
Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation
“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):
- Author Emma Donoghue talks about her novel ‘The Paris Express’
Bask in the glow of an Astoria sunset in 4K 60P
Kick back and watch the shipping lane on the Columbia River near Astoria as the sun sets on a calm summer evening. (Cameron Nielsen)
Related: Missed any of OPB’s Slow TV? Find every episode here
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