A powerful line of thunderstorms swept across Central Oregon on Thursday, May 28, bringing lightning, large hail, damaging winds, and localized flooding that knocked out electricity to more than 1,100 utility customers across the region.

The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for a broad swath of Central and Eastern Oregon, with warnings escalating to include Crook and neighboring counties as the system intensified through the afternoon and evening hours.

Hail, Wind, and Flooding

Storm spotters and weather observers reported hail up to two inches in diameter in portions of Central Oregon, with wind gusts reaching 60 to 70 miles per hour at some locations. In the Powell Butte area of Crook County, video shared with local media showed a stream of water flowing across a roadway and hail accumulating on the ground following the passage of the storm cell.

The Crook County Sheriff's Office reported localized flooding in Powell Butte. Central Oregon Daily reported flooded streets in Bend, and social media was filled with images of hail-covered lawns, battered crops, and lightning-lit skies across the High Desert.

Power Outages

As of Thursday evening, power outages were reported across multiple utility service territories:

  • Midstate Electric Cooperative: 3 outages reported, affecting more than 1,100 customers. Midstate serves a large portion of Jefferson County, including Madras, Culver, Metolius, and surrounding rural areas.
  • Pacific Power: Additional outages reported in its service territory.

Restoration crews were dispatched but conditions made field work difficult during the height of the storm. Residents were advised to stay away from downed power lines and report outages directly to their utility provider.

Wildfire Concern Persists Despite Rain

While the rain and moisture may provide brief relief to parched rangeland, fire officials caution that the benefits are likely short-lived. Lightning strikes from dry thunderstorms — storms that produce lightning but little precipitation — pose a serious ignition risk, especially on grass and brush that has already cured out early this season due to record-low snowpack.

The Zen Fire, which ignited May 25 near Clarno in Wheeler, Wasco, and Jefferson counties, was already at 60% containment and 1,635 acres as of Thursday morning — but officials say the broader landscape remains dangerously dry heading into June.

Residents are reminded that Jefferson County's summer burning restrictions have been in effect since May 4. Burning is limited to approved burn barrels with screens only, with a valid permit, and only during the hours of sunrise to 10:00 a.m. Violations can result in fines and liability for suppression costs.

Looking Ahead

Temperatures are expected to moderate into the weekend after the storm system passes. Residents and landowners should inspect their properties for storm damage, including checking irrigation equipment, outbuildings, and fencing for hail or wind damage. Anyone with storm damage photos or reports can share them with the Madras Bulletin at news@madrasbulletin.com.