PORTLAND, Ore. — Residents across the Willamette Valley were treated to a dazzling but restless night as thunderstorms rolled through the region early Saturday, delivering thousands of lightning flashes and a dramatic sky show.
Storms Move Up the Valley
The activity began late Friday evening, with storms forming in the southern and central valley just before 11 p.m. By midnight, thunder and lightning had developed in western Yamhill County, moving northward toward Salem.
A second wave of storms swept through shortly after, intensifying the activity west of Salem. By around 4 a.m., thunderstorms had reached the Portland metro area, waking up many startled residents.
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According to Colby Neuman with the National Weather Service (NWS) Portland, the storms produced more than 500 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes and over 3,000 cloud-to-cloud flashes across the valley.
Tracking the Threat
The Storm Prediction Center reported that while Saturday morning’s storms were concentrated in the valley, the threat of isolated dry thunderstorms had shifted eastward into the Cascades and central Oregon by daybreak. A general thunderstorm risk remains in place for much of the state throughout Saturday.
Dry lightning — storms that bring more lightning than rain — is always a concern in summer, as it can spark wildfires in dry terrain. So far, however, no new fire starts have been detected from the morning storms.
Firefighters on Alert
Though the lightning count was high, officials say conditions may have worked in Oregon’s favor this time. Cooler temperatures and recent moisture helped reduce the risk of new fires taking hold.
“Firefighters will be closely watching as the day goes along,” Neuman said, adding that the cooler weather expected this week will further ease fire concerns on the west side of the state.
The fire risk remains elevated in central and eastern Oregon, where conditions are drier and storms could deliver lightning without significant rainfall.
What’s Next for the Weekend
After the early morning storms, skies in the Willamette Valley are expected to clear. Forecasts call for morning clouds giving way to mostly sunny skies, with temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 70s on Saturday afternoon.
Some high clouds from central Oregon’s storms could drift into the valley by late morning or early afternoon. And while conditions will be calmer overall, meteorologists warn there is still a chance of additional thunderstorms developing in the Willamette Valley later in the afternoon and evening.
Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on updated forecasts and be prepared for quickly changing weather.
A Memorable Night
For many across the valley, the storms provided an unexpected late-night spectacle. Social media filled with photos and videos capturing brilliant flashes against the dark summer sky.
The lightning show may have cost some residents a few hours of sleep, but for those watching safely from home, it was a reminder of the drama and beauty of Oregon’s summer weather.
