Bend, Ore. – Residents across central and eastern Oregon are being urged to stay alert as slow-moving thunderstorms bring the risk of flash flooding and debris flows through midweek. The National Weather Service has issued multiple Flash Flood Watches for burn scar areas, where heavy rainfall could quickly turn dangerous.
According to the Weather Service in Pendleton, storms are expected to develop Wednesday and linger through Thursday evening, dropping up to 1.5 inches of rain in some mountain areas. Burn scars from recent wildfires in the Cascades, John Day Basin, and Blue Mountains are of particular concern, where loose soil could send water, mud, and rock rushing downslope.
Cities including Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, John Day, and Ukiah sit within the watch zones. Officials warn drivers to avoid low-lying roads and for residents near canyons or recent fire zones to have evacuation plans ready. Even moderate rainfall could trigger sudden flooding or debris flows.
The flash flood threat continues through Thursday evening, with additional advisories possible if storms persist.
