Flash flood watch, red flag warnings in effect for Central and Eastern Oregon

A flash flood watch has been issued across much of Central and Eastern Oregon from 2 p.m. through at least 9 p.m. Thursday.

The National Weather Service in Pendleton is warning that wildfire burns scars across the region pose a significant risk for flash flooding on land that is less water absorbent.

Forecasters say heavy rain is expected with near an inch of rainfall in an hour for areas across Central Oregon, including Redmond, John Day and La Pine. That flash flood watch is in place until 11 p.m. Thursday.

Baker County is also under a watch as forecasters there warn heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding or debris flows in and near recent burn scars.

Officials are also also warning of the potential for landslides in mountainous areas.

“The best thing is to be alert,” said Les Colin, the lead forecaster for the Boise NWS. “The [watch] means that conditions are favorable for flashing flood, but when one actually becomes imminent, we will change that to a warning and then you have to act immediately”.

In a flash flood, residents should seek higher ground and never attempt to drive or swim through water.

Along with the heavy rainfall, meteorologists say lightning strikes outside of the rain areas pose a risk for new wildfires.

Red flag warnings are also in place across the state Thursday east of the Cascades as thunderstorms are expected to roll through with gusty, erratic winds predicted up to over 50 miles per hour, according to the NWS.

Adam Batz, a meteorologist with the NWS, said the conditions also could cause new wildfires to grow quickly.

While lightning-caused fires are uncontrollable, he said residents should take extra precautions to prevent starting fires themselves.

“It’s really just about being aware of your surroundings and making sure that we are being good stewards of the land,” Batz said.

Over 2,000 lightning strikes during dry thunderstorms earlier in the week are being blamed for starting multiple wildfires across Malheur County. That includes the Rock Creek Fire, which has burned 17,000 acres since Tuesday.

Under red flag warnings, residents are encouraged to avoid outdoor burning and take steps to reduce fire risk. Batz said weather conditions are expected to improve going into the weekend, with fewer thunderstorms.

The red flag warnings are in effect until 11 p.m. Thursday.