By Rod Hill on 2010-04-18
Several areas of strong thunderstorms developed Saturday. The afternoon Clark county storms produced radar estimates of .50" hail near Battle Ground and 40 mph wind gusts. The strongest storms near Pendleton caused 70 mph wind gusts and hail the size of quarters! At one point, the storms were producing 200 lightning strikes each 20 minutes. Rainfall reports included .50" in 20 minutes! These storms weakened late evening as they pushed north across eastern Washington. A trough line of low pressure was the trigger for the storm development. All of the Northwest will likely be dry Sunday with temperatures mostly near 70 degrees. The Portland metro area is due for a few 70 degree days. Most daily records this time of year are near 80 degrees. The normal daily high is 61 degrees.
Severe Thunderstorms & High South Winds