Severe thunderstorm warning issued for southeast of Oakridge in Lane County
Southeast of Oakridge was under a severe thunderstorm warning as strong winds and lightning raised wildfire, outage and road risks in dry Lane County.
A severe thunderstorm warning covered the area southeast of Oakridge in Lane County, with strong winds and lightning the main hazards for anyone camping, traveling or recreating in the hills around town. A fast burst of lightning could start a new fire, while sudden gusts could knock down limbs, cut power and make exposed roads dangerous.
The warning landed against a background of elevated fire concern across south Lane County. On July 20, the chance of thunderstorms had already triggered a fire weather watch for parts of Lane County, and the National Weather Service in Portland posted a drought information statement dated July 14.
In east central Douglas County, the National Weather Service in Medford issued a severe thunderstorm warning on July 22 that remained in effect until 6:15 p.m. PDT. The storm was located near Camp Comfort Recreation Site, about 26 miles northwest of Crater Lake, and was moving north at 30 mph. It carried 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail, both of which can damage trees, batter vehicles and make outdoor events hazardous within minutes.
Oakridge sits within the Lane County weather area tied to the Eugene/Mahlon Sweet Field forecast point. Anyone headed into the forest, on a ridge or at a campsite near Oakridge needed to move under shelter quickly and stay alert for lightning, sudden wind shifts and the kind of fire start that can follow a dry storm.
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