Medford, Oregon – Thunderstorms are set to rattle southern Oregon through early Friday, with the greatest risk hitting Klamath, Siskiyou, Modoc, and Lake counties as lightning, heavy downpours, and 40 mph wind gusts move in Thursday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, the elevated thunderstorm risk continues until 5 a.m. Friday, August 1. The agency has flagged these counties for the potential of cloud-to-ground lightning, intense rainfall, small hail, and gusty outflow winds that could bring down branches or spark power outages. Outdoor activities in the affected areas—especially near Chemult, Lakeview, Yreka, and Fort Rock—should be reconsidered or postponed.
Travelers along highways 97 and 395 should be alert for rapidly changing weather and localized flooding. Emergency managers urge everyone to have a severe weather plan, stay off exposed peaks and lakes during storms, and seek shelter when thunder is heard. This is the most significant lightning risk for the region so far this summer and comes just days after last week’s storm brought similar disruptions.
Thunderstorm activity is expected to subside by Friday morning, but additional advisories are possible if storms redevelop. Residents should stay tuned for updates from the National Weather Service overnight.
