Approaching thunderstorms could spark 'numerous' fires across Oregon, Washington

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Thunderstorms developing across the Pacific Northwest have a chance of sparking many new wildfires across Oregon and Washington overnight.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for most of Oregon and Washington in response to the impending fire danger. The red flag warning will remain in effect from 5 p.m. Tuesday to 8 a.m. Wednesday.

KOIN 6 Meteorologist Josh Cozart forecasts that the impending storms are capable of producing numerous lightning strikes and little to no rain.

“Developing thunderstorms will increase the lightning count across the state of Oregon on Tuesday evening and continue through Wednesday morning,” Cozart said. “The threat of numerous fire starting is possible with very little rain and an abundance of lightning.”

Cozart reports that a few isolated thunderstorms are also possible in the Northern Willamette Valley early Wednesday morning. The highest chance of thunderstorms will occur south of Salem, especially over the Cascades.

“By the time storms move into Southwest Washington, the brunt of the lightning threat will be gone,” Cozart said. “Gusty winds associated with Tuesday night's storms could help push current wildfires and potentially new fires into unpredictable locations.”