Local Alert Weather Day: Isolated Tornado Risk, Tracking Potential Strong to Severe Storms

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – A Local Alert Weather Day will be in effect today as the region will be dealing with strong storms this afternoon and evening.  The Storm Prediction Center has placed a good portion of the region under the Slight Risk Category, level 2 of 5, for severe storms. Severe storms are those that can generate 58 + mph winds and/or 1” + hail, lightning is implied and a tornado will also be considered severe storm, obviously.

Today, all three are possible as the atmosphere is expected to become increasingly volatile as we get into the heat of the day. 

The timing should be in the early to middle afternoon as storms will be orbiting around an upper-level low pressure system to our south.  The biggest threat will be straight line winds that will push out ahead of the storms. The winds from the outflows can reach up to 70 or more mph, and cause significant damage. The hail stones can also do a lot of damage to your roof or car so if you can secure your car under a car park or in a garage, that would be a good idea. 

There will also be a chance for some minor street flooding or even small creeks and streams. The rain will be heavy at times and with the dry ground being so hard the water will run off quickly. If you live near a waterway, keep an eye on the rising waters.

This event is very rare for Central Oregon and I want you to be sure that you are not caught off-guard. If you have plans this afternoon outside, you may want to change them. If you are outside this afternoon, make sure there is a place of shelter you can get to quickly. My advice would be to stay indoors today if you can, but if you have to work outside, stay alert.

The storms will continue into the evening and will migrate today from east to west. The Cascades will see the rainfall last today.

Friday the flow shifts and we are looking at light rain moving from west to east in the morning and early afternoon. The strong and severe weather will be off to the east.

This weekend will be dry and mild with highs in the 60s Saturday and the 70s Sunday.

Please, Stay safe.

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