PORTLAND, Ore. — Thunderstorms swept across parts of Oregon and Washington overnight, lighting up the skies with hundreds of strikes even as Portland itself saw very little rainfall.
Storms Roll Through the Region
On Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning for Skamania County as a strong system threatened winds up to 60 mph and hail measuring an inch in diameter.
By late evening and into the early morning hours, clusters of thunderstorms spread across the region. Between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., a thunderstorm cluster moved from east Multnomah County before weakening and redeveloping over Washington County. Portland residents reported hearing rumbles of thunder, but rainfall remained minimal—just 0.01 inches was recorded.
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Lightning Activity Concentrated in the Valley and Beyond
The most intense activity occurred between 5:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., when repeated clusters of storms moved across Polk, Benton, and Marion counties. Radar showed between 40 and 54 lightning strikes every 30 minutes during portions of the morning.
Further south and east, Jackson, Klamath, Lake, and Harney counties bore the brunt of overnight lightning. Other hot spots included areas near Fall City to Grand Ronde, south of Amity, and around Keizer.
Residents across the state captured dramatic images of the skies, with several photos shared from southwest Portland looking toward Gresham and Camas.
Total Count and Meteorologist’s Report
In all, 336 lightning strikes were recorded across Oregon and Washington in the 24-hour period from 8:00 a.m. Tuesday to 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, according to KGW Meteorologist Rod Hill.
While the number sounds impressive, NWS officials stressed that the total was not unusual for late summer, when the region often sees scattered storm systems.
Looking Ahead: More Storms Possible
Forecasters say the threat of scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue through Wednesday and into early Thursday morning. However, pinpointing where and when new storms will form remains difficult.
Meteorologists emphasize that while lightning is often the most visible aspect of these storms, the associated risks—such as localized flooding, power outages, or fire starts—remain a concern. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware and monitor forecasts for updates.
A Seasonal Reminder
The overnight storms served as a reminder that late summer weather in the Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable. While Portland saw little more than distant rumbles, other communities experienced heavy lightning activity, reinforcing the patchwork nature of thunderstorm systems in the region.
For now, Oregonians and Washingtonians are advised to prepare for more unsettled weather and keep an eye on shifting forecasts over the next 24 hours.
