Red Flag Warning Issued for Southern Oregon as Storms Move In

Medford, Oregon- The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning through 11 p.m. Saturday for parts of southern Oregon, citing abundant lightning and dry fuels that could spark numerous new wildfires.

The warning covers Fire Weather Zones 616, 617, 620, 621, 622 and 623, stretching mainly along and east of the Interstate 5 corridor to the Cascade Crest, including Roseburg, Grants Pass and Medford.

Forecasters said isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected throughout the afternoon and evening. While storms are expected to bring some rain, lightning strikes outside of precipitation cores may ignite fires in dry fuels.

Gusty and erratic outflow winds of 25 to 35 mph are also possible, capable of carrying sparks up to 25 miles from thunderstorm centers.

Officials urged residents to follow all fire restrictions and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. “One less spark, one less wildfire,” the NWS reminded in its advisory, emphasizing the importance of avoiding activities that could accidentally start fires.

Authorities recommend signing up for county emergency alerts, reviewing evacuation plans, and ensuring multiple ways to receive information from officials.

A Red Flag Warning does not mean there is an active fire, but signals that weather conditions are ripe for rapid fire spread, which can quickly become life-threatening.

More information and detailed hazard maps are available at weather.gov/wrh/hazards?wfo=mfr.