Medford, Oregon – Severe thunderstorms are moving into southern Oregon and northern California tonight, bringing a high risk of lightning strikes, dangerous winds, and heavy rain through Sunday night.
According to the US National Weather Service in Medford, storm activity is expected to hit hardest in northern Lake and northeastern Klamath counties tonight, with the threat zone widening east of the Cascades and into northern California on Sunday. Gusty outflow winds could top 40 mph, making travel hazardous on major roads like US-97 and OR-140.
Cities including Medford, Ashland, Klamath Falls, and Lakeview could all see rapidly changing weather, power outages, and fire risk from cloud-to-ground lightning. Outdoor plans should be moved up or rescheduled. Residents are urged to stay alert, charge devices, and keep a weather radio nearby as storms may move in suddenly.
Thunder and lightning could arrive after sunset, increasing the threat for overnight impacts—especially in higher terrain and rural areas. Avoid exposed ridges, lakes, and hiking during storm hours. This is southern Oregon’s most significant lightning event so far this August.
Storm risks remain in effect until late Sunday night, and more alerts are possible. Stay with NewsBreak for the latest updates as conditions change.
