Pendleton, OR – Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop Wednesday afternoon across portions of central and north-central Oregon, including Redmond, Bend, and Prineville, with the greatest threat window between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, the highest concern for severe weather centers on the east slopes of the Cascades, stretching into the Blues and Foothills. The initial development zone includes Deschutes County northward into central Oregon and the southern Blues, where conditions may support hail over 1 inch in diameter and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
A Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) has been issued for parts of the region, indicating increased confidence in storms that could produce damaging winds, large hail, and dangerous lightning. Surrounding areas, including Pendleton, Heppner, and The Dalles, remain under a Marginal Risk (Level 1).
