What types of natural disasters, weather problems, etc. are common to the Portland/Salem, OR area?|140387

We are planning on moving up there and would like to know what types of natural disasters/emergencies occur there. In Las Vegas we have flash flooding, drought, wind, and extreme heat. We don_t really get tornadoes, hurricanes, snowstorms, etc.

Once a year we get tons of rain in the late fall and winter, beautiful summers, springs and early falls. Mild winters. We usually get 2 weeks of hot weather in July or August (95 to 100 degrees).

Once in 10 years we get:
An earthquake above 4.5 (we don_t count the small ones)
Hurricane wind storm which knocks down trees and causes a huge mess.
Serious snowstorm - anything over 4_ is considered a serious snowstorm here. Generally, it will snow but it melts when it hits the ground so it_s just pretty to look at.
Serious flooding - it_s been at least 10 years since a major river has flooded. If you move here DON_T buy a house in a flood plain.

Once every 25 years or so:
A serious Volcano eruption (but we always get plenty of warning before a major eruption).

The great thing about the Northwest is that the weather is mild in general. The main problem here is rain and it is usually light rain anyway. Sometimes heavier rain storm do cause flooding issues and occasionally there are wind storms that could knock out the power. Once or twice a year there could be some snow or ice as well, but it never sticks around. Snow typically melts the same day or the next day. Overall, we_re pretty lucky in the Northwest to have mild weather compared to many other places. The summers are gorgeous and they are not too hot. One last possible natural disaster that could happen is if Mt. Saint Helens blows.

They had some fairly serious flooding there this fall. Also freezes, the occasional earthquake and there_s always the threat of volcanic eruption from several regional, active peaks. Closer to the coast, you have a tsunami danger.

Well, we don_t get many... fires, flooding (If you live in a low area), RAIN, sometimes wind, um...... that_s all.

You_ll love it here!

It rains a lot but I wouldn_t call it a disaster :) Minor flooding occasionally but not really so much in the Portland area as in surrounding, more rural or coastal places in Oregon. I wouldn_t worry about it.