Strong to severe storms expected today in the Cascades, Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Deschutes County until 9 pm

2 pm Update: The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Deschutes County, until 9 pm. A line of strong and possibly severe storms will move over the crest of the Cascades this afternoon producing gusty winds that may reach 60 mph. Small hail is possible, along with significant brief rounds of heavy rain. The storms over the mountains are going to be drifting east into Deschutes county by late in the afternoon. Residents in Sisters, Sunriver, Bend, La Pine, and Redmond need to stay alert for strong storms. Dangerous lightning is expected along with the chance for creeks and streams to run fast and full. Stay alert today if you are out and about.

Earlier this week, we had some showers and storms move through the region. The Bulk of the rain fell east of the Highway 97 corridor. Today, a second wave of rain is expected to arrive this afternoon, this time to our west, over the Cascades. This round of storms will provide plenty of rain to the mountains this afternoon and evening. The chance for some localized flooding along the Cascades is cause for concern.  

There are several wildfires that have burned or are still burning in pockets of the landscape today. Unfortunately, the rain today may be heavy at times, and flooding may occur in the burn scars.  Debris flows are a concern today along with some mudslides may develop with little to no warning. 

The burn scars in the Cascades from this year's fires are not nearly as large as the scars from the mega-fires in Eastern Oregon, but the topography is steep and varied. The slopes may not be able to handle the quick shot of heavy rain, therefore localized flash flooding is possible.  This is especially true where wildfires have scoured off any vegetation that would stall or slow down the runoff of the rain. Keep an eye on the sky, as it may not be raining all that hard where you are, but upstream. That water can rush downstream and downhill very rapidly and overtake a region. 

East of the Cascades, we will see some showers and possibly a few storms, so the high desert will not be void of stormy weather, it just won't be as robust.  The more “robust storms” are likely to fall over the mountains, but the small creeks and streams will be running fast and full as the water rushes to seek lower ground. Watch the water levels on the rivers and creeks you plan to enjoy this weekend, minor flooding is possible.  

Sunday will be partly cloudy and warm with highs in the low 80s. This will be the beginning of several dry days ahead. 

Please monitor the alert banner at the top of the page for updates to any watches or warnings related to the weather. 

Stay Safe! 

 
Don’t forget to download the KTVZ weather app to stay safe and informed. 

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ktvz-local-alert-weather-app/id1088330817 

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ktvz.android.weather&hl=en_US