Northern Blue Mountains, Oregon, October 2, 2025
News Summary
A severe thunderstorm warning has been declared for the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon, with wind gusts expected to reach up to 55 mph. Residents should remain alert for strong winds and potential hazards, including localized flooding and lightning. The warning remains effective until 7:45 p.m., with a sequence of stormy weather anticipated in the coming days. Safety measures and updates from the National Weather Service are crucial for those in the area to ensure their safety during this extreme weather event.
Pendleton, Oregon – A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon, with meteorologists predicting wind gusts of up to 55 mph. The warning was updated by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. and is effective until 7:45 p.m.
At 7:14 p.m., Doppler radar indicated that strong thunderstorms were forming along a line from near Huntsville to 11 miles southeast of Dayton, extending to 8 miles southeast of Ski Bluewood. The storm is currently moving northeast at a speed of 30 mph. Residents in the affected area should be on alert for gusty winds, which could potentially knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.
This warning follows a similar event earlier in the week when strong thunderstorms were reported in the Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains on Monday, which lasted from 5:12 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. This prior storm was notable for its pea-sized hail measuring around 0.25 inches and wind gusts reaching 40 mph. The storm tracked near Pendleton, moving north at 20 mph and impacting locations such as Helix, Rieth, Holdman, and the western Umatilla Reservation.
Throughout the duration of the thunderstorms, residents should be aware of the risks posed by frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, which can strike up to 10 miles away from the storm. Each year, approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur across the U.S., leading to about 20 fatalities.
The National Weather Service has issued safety recommendations for those in the area during thunderstorms. It is advised to seek indoor shelter during severe weather, wait for an all-clear signal, and follow specific safety protocols if caught outdoors. Furthermore, heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding and hazardous driving conditions.
During heavy rain, it is important for drivers to maintain safe distances, slow down, and exercise caution on slippery roads, especially within the first half-hour of the rainfall. The National Weather Service also warns against parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches in order to prevent being swept away by swiftly moving water.
To ensure visibility during rain, drivers should turn on their headlights and stay vigilant regarding other vehicles in their blind spots. If visibility becomes severely impaired due to rain, it is recommended that drivers safely pull over and wait for conditions to improve.
Weather forecasts indicate a continued pattern of stormy weather as we approach the upcoming weekend, making it essential for residents to stay informed and prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the severe thunderstorm warning for the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon?
The severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 7:45 p.m.
What are the expected wind gusts during the storm?
Residents should prepare for wind gusts of up to 55 mph.
When was the severe thunderstorm warning last updated?
The warning was updated by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 7:15 p.m.
What other weather issues occurred earlier in the week?
On Monday, strong thunderstorms were reported in the Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains, with wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
What safety measures should residents take during thunderstorms?
It is advised to seek indoor shelter, wait for an all-clear signal, and follow safety protocols when outdoors.
Key Features of the Severe Thunderstorm Warning
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Blue Mountains, Oregon |
| Wind Gusts | Up to 55 mph |
| Effective Time | Until 7:45 p.m. |
| Radar Updates | Strong thunderstorms tracked via Doppler radar |
| Previous Storm Details | Storm on Monday with wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail |
| Safety Recommendations | Seek indoor shelter and follow safety protocols |
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Additional Resources
- Oregon Live: Weather Alert for Strong Thunderstorms
- Oregon Live: Pea-Sized Hail Foreseen with Thunderstorms
- Apple Valley News: Severe Thunderstorms Imminent
- Barrie Today: Risk of Tornado as Conditions Favorable for Thunderstorms
- Oregon Live: Thunderstorms with Marble-Sized Hail in Northern Blue Mountains
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Warnings
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Thunderstorm Alerts
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