The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 2:47 p.m. on Friday for strong thunderstorms until 3:15 p.m. for Malheur County.

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) are likely.

"At 2:47 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Sheep Rock, or 45 miles southeast of John Day, moving southeast at 15 mph," says the weather service. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible."

The alert is for Sheep Rock.

The weather service comments, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways."

Shielding yourself from approaching l

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