August 4, 2023 6:50 a.m.

The region received 123 lightning strikes overnight as a thin band of thunder showers impacted parts of the Umpqua Valley and nearby areas.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that the strikes started at about 11:00 p.m. Thursday night and ended around 4:00 a.m. Friday. They impacted an area that includes northeast Josephine County and northwest Jackson County and from Glendale to Tiller to Myrtle Creek with some activity reaching between Glide and Steamboat as well. 66 of the strikes were in Douglas County with the balance in the adjoining counties.

There is a Red Flag Warning for Friday afternoon and evening for areas east of the Oregon Cascades. Increased thunderstorm activity is expected which could lead to new fires.