'All hazards possible': Strong to severe thunderstorms expected east of Cascades today – KATU

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Recovery operations continue following the deadly blast at the Nippon paper mill in Longview, Wash.
by Bobby Corser–DigitalMeteorologist
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Thunderstorms swept parts of Oregon, Washington and Idaho to the east of the Cascades on Thursday afternoon.
WEATHER | Latest Storm Tracker 2 Forecast
The storms were caused when daytime heat combined with increasing humidity moving into the region from the southeast.
KATU Meteorologist Dave Salesky said the storms aren’t likely to move west of the Cascade Range, and could drift as far north as The Dalles later this evening.
"Most of central and eastern Oregon, parts of the Columbia River basin, we have severe thunderstorm warnings and watches," said Salesky.
Just before 1 p.m., a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was posted for portions of central and eastern Oregon, and portions of western Idaho.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) says there is a Marginal and Slight risk for portions of central Oregon and Washington.
“All hazards are in play today, including a small risk of tornadoes,” said Storm Tracker 2 Digital Meteorologist Bobby Corser. “The highest likelihood of severe weather will likely come from strong winds near vigorous thunderstorms.”

The SPC has placed portions of the region under a “CIG-1” rating for wind, meaning thunderstorms could produce wind gusts exceeding 75 mph. Other storms could produce severe gusts greater than 57 mph.
"As storms move into this region during the late afternoon to evening timeframe, it is possible a more extensive threat for severe gusts develops," SPC said. "Regardless, severe outflow both with the stronger cores and linearly oriented clusters appear to be the main hazard."

Thursday's storm risk along with tornado, wind, and hail risk across the state – Storm Tracker 2 Weather

Large hail, an inch in diameter or larger, is also possible with the strongest storms.
Forecast models previously showed thunderstorms and showers moving into the eastern Portland metro area, but this morning’s latest runs no longer support that scenario.
The central Columbia River Gorge, including Hood River and The Dalles, are in the area of concern.
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“There is still a small chance we could see some thunderstorms drift into the Willamette Valley this afternoon,” Corser said. “If we do get a storm, it will remain below severe limits, with lightning as the primary concern.”
Forecasts later combine the cells into a squall-line-like feature before they weaken overnight.
If you are in the Gorge, central or eastern Oregon and Washington, make sure you have a way to receive weather watches and warnings.

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