PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – As a fall storm brings strong wind and rain into the region, some Oregonians are seeing power outages Saturday.

Soaking rains continue to work their way into western Oregon and southwest Washington. The threat of severe weather also increases during the afternoon hours when storms become more isolated and scattered in nature. A marginal risk of severe weather means Oregon could see a great chance of damaging winds, large hail, and lightning.

Around 10:15 p.m. Portland General Electric reported 225 outages affecting more than 7,900 customers. More than 1,000 outages were reported around Gresham and Sandy, with just under 100 reported in Portland and Beaverton.

“Our crews are out right now working as quickly and safely as possible making repairs to equipment impacted by today’s weather,” a PGE spokesperson told KOIN 6 News just before 3 p.m. Saturday.

Meanwhile, Pacific Power reported 171 outages around 10:15 p.m. affecting more than 5,800 customers. A majority of those outages are reported around Salem and Corvallis.

Tillamook People’s Utility District reported five outages around 10:15 p.m. impacting 49 customers.

Just after 5:30 p.m., the Washington Department of Transportation announced that the southbound Gee Creek Rest Area along Interstate 5 near Ridgefield is closed because of a power outage. Officials said the northbound rest area is still open.

Ahead of the outages, Pacific Power announced Friday that the company is monitoring the storm and impacts to customers in Oregon California.

The utility company said the weather forecast showed potential for strong winds and rain starting Friday night into Sunday – increasing the potential for outages.

Pacific Power said crews are on standby to respond to weather-related outages.

Pacific Power is urging customers to be prepared for outages, have an emergency plan in place and be prepared for up to 72 hours without essential services. The utility company also recommends keeping mobile devices charged in case of an emergency and staying away from downed trees and power lines.

The utility company warns that even if power lines are not sparking, they could be energized and “extremely dangerous,” asking customers to call 911 if they see a downed line and report the outage to Pacific Power.

This is a developing story.