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The NWS Portland OR issued a report at 7:40 a.m. on Wednesday for strong thunderstorms until 8:15 a.m. The alert is for South Washington Coast, Willapa and Wahkiakum Lowlands and Willapa Hills.
The storms are forecast to bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).
“At 7:40 a.m., trained weather spotters reported a strong thunderstorm near Bay Center, or 14 miles north of Long Beach, moving northeast at 40 mph,” says the NWS. “Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Ocean Park, Raymond, South Bend, Bay Center, Willapa and Nahcotta. This includes the following highways: U. S. Highway 101 between mile markers 36 and 67. State Route 6 between mile markers 1 and 4.
The NWS adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”
This alert is in effect until 8:15 a.m.
How to react when facing a lightning hazard?
Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It diminishes as the storm moves away.
Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
- To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
- If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
- Once inside, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
- Wait for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
- Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
- Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If you are in a forest, stick to areas with shorter tree cover.
- If you are in a group, disperse to prevent the current from passing between group members.
- If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low area. Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
- Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity.
Rainy weather driving tips
- Turn on headlights – Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
- On the road – Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
- Avoid puddles – Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
- Do not follow large vehicles closely – Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
- Steer clear of flooded areas – When coming to a flooded road, turn around and head back. Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle’s weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:
- Vehicle speed – When a vehicle’s speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth – The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth – Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here’s what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator – Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid – Turning into the skid can help the vehicle’s tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with the road – During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed – Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
United Robots Washington
This story was originally published January 7, 2026 at 7:44 AM.
