The National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of Oregon east of the Cascade Mountains (except the Klamath Basin) in effect from Sunday at Noon until 10:00pm Tuesday. For NE Oregon, the warning is in effect from 2:00pm Sunday until 6:00 Tuesday night.
A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire.
Forecasters are anticipating significant lightning potential along with thunderstorms and wind gusts across the region. Highest concentration of thunderstorms will be on Sunday afternoon and evening, then again on Monday afternoon.
Kevin Weeks / ODF Public Affairs Office