August 17, 2024 6:40 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning in effect from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday for abundant lightning on dry fuels in much of the region.

The Warning area includes the Umpqua National Forest, Umpqua Basin, Southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains, eastern Rogue Valley and the western Rogue Basin including Illinois Valley.

Abundant lightning could lead to new fire starts. Gusty, shifting outflow winds could also result in changing fire behavior and spread. These winds could also present a danger to aircraft and ground personnel.

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop Saturday afternoon and move from south to north through the area into the evening. These storms will contain frequent and abundant cloud to ground lightning. Some of the stronger thunderstorms may contain strong to severe wind gusts and hail. Rainfall is expected with these storms and could be heavy at times.

Outflow winds could have gusts up to 60 miles per hour. There is a 5 to 15 percent chance of hail that is one half to 1 inch in diameter.

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