PORTLAND, Ore. — The PNW and Portland metro were buffeted by strong winds and stormy weather Wednesday night, and by early Thursday morning over 20,000 households were left without power due to downed lines, fallen trees, and more. SEE ALSO: StormTracker 2 Weather Alert: High winds expected on coastline as strong storm takes shape

Swirling winds knocked down trees and power lines across Santa Barbara and Goleta on Christmas Eve, causing multiple reports of heavy traffic and power outages throughout the county.

“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” according to the warning. “Widespread power outage are expected. Travel will be difficult especially for high-profile vehicles.. Gusting winds will blow unsecured objects.”

Severe storms swept through southern Oregon Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, bringing lightning, high winds, and heavy rain. The storms caused power outages, downed trees, and road closures across the region.

Thousands of people across Oregon were without power Thursday as high winds hit the state. Read online: Not everyone enjoyed Beyoncé's Christmas Day halftime performance. Democrats need to take a stand against Electoral College votes for a person disqualified by the Constitution.

Story updated at 12:07 p.m. on Friday, Dec 27 Most power outages caused by a windstorm Christmas night have been restored, according to multiple utilities. Less than 1,000 outages are currently reported by Pacific Power.

Tens of thousands across Oregon are without power Thursday morning as high winds hit the state. Across Portland, there have been reports of trees falling on power lines, roads and in the front yards of homes.