The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 1:57 p.m. on Friday for strong thunderstorms until 2:30 p.m. for Ochoco-John Day Highlands.

The storms are packing wind gusts of up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches).

"At 1:56 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 19 miles southwest of Ironside, or 36 miles southeast of John Day, moving east at 5 mph," according to the weather service. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible."

According to the weather service, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building."

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