Pendleton, Oregon – Thunderstorms will tap into deep moisture Saturday, raising a serious flash flood risk across the Southern Blue Mountains, the John Day Basin, and the Ochoco–John Day Highlands. Burn scars from the past two fire seasons are especially vulnerable, with fast-rising water and debris flows possible.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a Flash Flood Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening, with rain rates near 1 inch per hour inside stronger storms. Communities at risk include John Day, Prairie City, Dayville, Mitchell, Spray, Paulina, Ukiah, Long Creek, Seneca, North Powder, and surrounding rural areas.
Localized flooding could send water and rock across US‑26, OR‑19, OR‑207, and US‑395, particularly near canyons and recent burn areas in Grant, Wheeler, Crook, Union, and Umatilla counties. Drivers should avoid low water crossings, never bypass barricades, and be ready for rapid closures. Keep phones charged, enable Wireless Emergency Alerts, and move livestock and equipment out of drainages.
Storms may redevelop quickly along the front, with the most intense downpours during the afternoon and evening. Additional advisories or warnings could be issued with little notice. If a Flash Flood Warning is posted, move to higher ground immediately.
