Alert archive / Oregon / High Wind Warnings in 2024
High Wind Warning 2, NWS Medford, OR
NWS Medford, OR issued this high wind warning at Feb 27, 2024, 1:05 PM PST for 5 counties in Oregon; Modoc County, Siskiyou County, California. It took effect at Feb 28, 2024, 7:00 PM PST. It was in force for 18 hr. 3 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Feb 27, 2024, 1:05 PM PST (21:05 UTC)
- In effect from
- Feb 28, 2024, 7:00 PM PST
- Expired
- Feb 29, 2024, 1:00 PM PST
- In force
- 18 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Medford, OR
Counties Modoc County, CA, Siskiyou County, CA, Coos County, OR, Curry County, OR, Douglas County, OR, Klamath County, OR, Lake County, OR
The radar
The Medford radar (KMAX), 55 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:11 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 29, 8:00 AM PST | RAIN 2.54 | 2 Sse Pistol River, OR | The 24 hour total from 8 AM Wednesday to 8 AM Thursday was 2.54 inches. |
| Feb 29, 12:30 PM PST | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | 4 N Cedarville, CA | Mesonet station CEDC 3.8 N Cedarville (AGRIMET). |
| Feb 29, 12:39 PM PST | NON-TSTM WND GST 51 | 3 Ese Lake City, CA | Mesonet station SSYC1 Surprise Valley. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
Medford/Jackson, OR (KMFR), launched 12:00Z, 9.1 hours before the alert went out and 37 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 992 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 80 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 120 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 292 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
915 WWUS76 KMFR 272105 NPWMFR URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 105 PM PST Tue Feb 27 2024 ORZ021-022-281145- /O.UPG.KMFR.HW.A.0004.240229T0000Z-240229T1800Z/ /O.NEW.KMFR.HW.W.0002.240229T0300Z-240229T1500Z/ South Central Oregon Coast-Curry County Coast- Including the cities of Harbor, Gold Beach, Nesika Beach, Ophir, and Pistol River 105 PM PST Tue Feb 27 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM WEDNESDAY TO 7 AM PST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...South Central Oregon Coast and Curry County Coast including Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford, all capes and headlands, and exposed portions of highway 101. * WHEN...From 7 PM Wednesday to 7 AM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ CAZ081-281145- /O.UPG.KMFR.HW.A.0004.240229T0900Z-240301T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KMFR.HW.W.0002.240229T0600Z-240229T2100Z/ Central Siskiyou County- 105 PM PST Tue Feb 27 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM WEDNESDAY TO 1 PM PST THURSDAY... * WHAT...South winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...The Shasta Valley in central Siskiyou County, including Weed, Montague, and portions of Interstate 5 and highway 97. * WHEN...From 10 PM Wednesday to 1 PM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ CAZ084-085-ORZ029>031-281145- /O.NEW.KMFR.HW.W.0002.240229T0900Z-240301T1200Z/ Northeast Siskiyou and Northwest Modoc Counties-Modoc County- Klamath Basin- Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County- Central and Eastern Lake County- Including the cities of Newell, Tulelake, Dorris, Macdoel, Lookout, Adin, Alturas, Canby, Davis Creek, Likely, Altamont, Olene, Klamath Falls, Midland, Adel, Lakeview, New Pine Creek, Valley Falls, and Fort Rock 105 PM PST Tue Feb 27 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM THURSDAY TO 4 AM PST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. Snow and blowing snow will also create periods of very low visibility and drifting snow. * WHERE...Portions of Klamath, Lake, Modoc, and northeastern Siskiyou counties, including Tulelake, Alturas, Davis Creek, Klamath Falls, Adel, Lakeview, Valley Falls, Fort Rock, and portions of highways 140, 97, 31, 139, 299, and 395. * WHEN...From 1 AM Thursday to 4 AM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Expect periods of low visibility in blowing snow. Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ Visit us at https://www.weather.gov/Medford
6 follow-up statements
972 WWUS76 KMFR 281105 NPWMFR URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 305 AM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ORZ021-022-282230- /O.CON.KMFR.HW.W.0002.240229T0300Z-240229T1500Z/ South Central Oregon Coast-Curry County Coast- Including the cities of Harbor, Gold Beach, Nesika Beach, Ophir, and Pistol River 305 AM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM PST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...South Central Oregon Coast and Curry County Coast including Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford, all capes and headlands, and exposed portions of highway 101. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 7 AM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ CAZ081-282230- /O.CON.KMFR.HW.W.0002.240229T0600Z-240229T2100Z/ Central Siskiyou County- 305 AM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM PST THURSDAY... * WHAT...South winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...The Shasta Valley in central Siskiyou County, including Weed, Montague, and portions of Interstate 5 and highway 97. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 1 PM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ CAZ084-085-ORZ029>031-282230- /O.CON.KMFR.HW.W.0002.240229T0900Z-240301T1200Z/ Northeast Siskiyou and Northwest Modoc Counties-Modoc County- Klamath Basin- Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County- Central and Eastern Lake County- Including the cities of Newell, Tulelake, Dorris, Macdoel, Lookout, Adin, Alturas, Canby, Davis Creek, Likely, Altamont, Olene, Klamath Falls, Midland, Adel, Lakeview, New Pine Creek, Valley Falls, and Fort Rock 305 AM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM THURSDAY TO 4 AM PST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. Snow and blowing snow will also create periods of very low visibility and drifting snow. * WHERE...Portions of Klamath, Lake, Modoc, and northeastern Siskiyou counties, including Tulelake, Alturas, Davis Creek, Klamath Falls, Adel, Lakeview, Valley Falls, Fort Rock, and portions of highways 140, 97, 31, 139, 299, and 395. * WHEN...From 1 AM Thursday to 4 AM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Expect periods of low visibility in blowing snow. Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ Visit us at https://www.weather.gov/Medford
498 WWUS76 KMFR 282227 NPWMFR URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 227 PM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ORZ021-022-291500- /O.CON.KMFR.HW.W.0002.240229T0300Z-240229T1500Z/ South Central Oregon Coast-Curry County Coast- Including the cities of Harbor, Gold Beach, Nesika Beach, Ophir, and Pistol River 227 PM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM PST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...South Central Oregon Coast and Curry County Coast including Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford, all capes and headlands, and exposed portions of Highway 101. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 7 AM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ CAZ081-291500- /O.CON.KMFR.HW.W.0002.240229T0600Z-240229T2100Z/ Central Siskiyou County- 227 PM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM PST THURSDAY... * WHAT...South winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...The Shasta Valley in central Siskiyou County, including Weed, Montague, and portions of Interstate 5 and highway 97. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 1 PM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ CAZ084-085-ORZ029>031-291500- /O.CON.KMFR.HW.W.0002.240229T0900Z-240301T1200Z/ Northeast Siskiyou and Northwest Modoc Counties-Modoc County- Klamath Basin- Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County- Central and Eastern Lake County- Including the cities of Newell, Tulelake, Dorris, Macdoel, Lookout, Adin, Alturas, Canby, Davis Creek, Likely, Altamont, Olene, Klamath Falls, Midland, Adel, Lakeview, New Pine Creek, Valley Falls, and Fort Rock 227 PM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM THURSDAY TO 4 AM PST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. Snow and blowing snow will also create periods of very low visibility and drifting snow. * WHERE...Portions of Klamath, Lake, Modoc, and northeastern Siskiyou counties, including Tulelake, Alturas, Davis Creek, Klamath Falls, Adel, Lakeview, Valley Falls, Fort Rock, and portions of highways 140, 97, 31, 139, 299, and 395. * WHEN...From 1 AM Thursday to 4 AM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Expect periods of low visibility in blowing snow. Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ Visit us at https://www.weather.gov/Medford
334 WWUS76 KMFR 290336 NPWMFR URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 736 PM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ORZ029-030-290445- /O.CAN.KMFR.HW.W.0002.240229T0900Z-240301T1200Z/ Klamath Basin- Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County- 736 PM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED... The strong winds are still expected, but have been addressed in an upgrade to a Winter Storm Warning for all areas. $$ CAZ084-085-ORZ031-291430- /O.EXT.KMFR.HW.W.0002.240229T0900Z-240229T1800Z/ Northeast Siskiyou and Northwest Modoc Counties-Modoc County- Central and Eastern Lake County- Including the cities of Newell, Tulelake, Dorris, Macdoel, Day, Lookout, Adin, Alturas, Canby, Davis Creek, Likely, Adel, Lakeview, New Pine Creek, Valley Falls, and Fort Rock 736 PM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 10 AM PST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of Lake, Modoc, and northeastern Siskiyou counties, including Tulelake, Alturas, Davis Creek, Adel, Lakeview, Valley Falls, Fort Rock, and portions of highways 140, 97, 31, 139, 299, and 395. * WHEN...From 1 AM to 10 AM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong cold front will move through Thursday morning and snow levels will drop quickly. Strong winds are expected to continue after 10 am Thursday, but have been addressed in a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 10 am Thursday. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ ORZ021-022-291430- /O.CON.KMFR.HW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240229T1500Z/ South Central Oregon Coast-Curry County Coast- Including the cities of Harbor, Gold Beach, Nesika Beach, Ophir, and Pistol River 736 PM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...South Central Oregon Coast and Curry County Coast including Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford, all capes and headlands, and exposed portions of Highway 101. * WHEN...Until 7 AM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ CAZ081-291430- /O.CON.KMFR.HW.W.0002.240229T0600Z-240229T2100Z/ Central Siskiyou County- 736 PM PST Wed Feb 28 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM PST THURSDAY... * WHAT...South winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...The Shasta Valley in central Siskiyou County, including Weed, Montague, and portions of Interstate 5 and highway 97. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 1 PM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ Visit us at https://www.weather.gov/Medford
483 WWUS76 KMFR 291436 NPWMFR URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 636 AM PST Thu Feb 29 2024 ORZ021-022-291545- /O.EXP.KMFR.HW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240229T1500Z/ South Central Oregon Coast-Curry County Coast- Including the cities of Harbor, Gold Beach, Nesika Beach, Ophir, and Pistol River 636 AM PST Thu Feb 29 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 AM PST THIS MORNING... The front has passed and the strongest winds have eased. The High Wind Warning will be allowed to expire. $$ CAZ081-292100- /O.CON.KMFR.HW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240229T2100Z/ Central Siskiyou County- 636 AM PST Thu Feb 29 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...South winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...The Shasta Valley in central Siskiyou County, including Weed, Montague, and portions of Interstate 5 and highway 97. * WHEN...Until 1 PM PST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ CAZ084-085-ORZ031-291800- /O.CON.KMFR.HW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240229T1800Z/ Northeast Siskiyou and Northwest Modoc Counties-Modoc County- Central and Eastern Lake County- Including the cities of Newell, Tulelake, Dorris, Macdoel, Day, Lookout, Adin, Alturas, Canby, Davis Creek, Likely, Adel, Lakeview, New Pine Creek, Valley Falls, and Fort Rock 636 AM PST Thu Feb 29 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of Lake, Modoc, and northeastern Siskiyou counties, including Tulelake, Alturas, Davis Creek, Adel, Lakeview, Valley Falls, Fort Rock, and portions of highways 140, 97, 31, 139, 299, and 395. * WHEN...Until 10 AM PST this morning. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong cold front will move through Thursday morning and snow levels will drop quickly. Strong winds are expected to continue after 10 am Thursday, but have been addressed in a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 10 am Thursday. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ Visit us at https://www.weather.gov/Medford
916 WWUS76 KMFR 291814 NPWMFR URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 1014 AM PST Thu Feb 29 2024 CAZ084-085-ORZ031-291915- /O.EXP.KMFR.HW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240229T1800Z/ Northeast Siskiyou and Northwest Modoc Counties-Modoc County- Central and Eastern Lake County- Including the cities of Newell, Tulelake, Dorris, Macdoel, Day, Lookout, Adin, Alturas, Canby, Davis Creek, Likely, Adel, Lakeview, New Pine Creek, Valley Falls, and Fort Rock 1014 AM PST Thu Feb 29 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING HAS EXPIRED... High winds will continue, but as snow moves into the area the warning has been folded into the Winter Storm Warning. $$ CAZ081-292100- /O.CON.KMFR.HW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240229T2100Z/ Central Siskiyou County- 1014 AM PST Thu Feb 29 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...South winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...The Shasta Valley in central Siskiyou County, including Weed, Montague, and portions of Interstate 5 and highway 97. * WHEN...Until 1 PM PST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ Visit us at https://www.weather.gov/Medford
417 WWUS76 KMFR 292059 NPWMFR URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 1259 PM PST Thu Feb 29 2024 CAZ081-292200- /O.EXP.KMFR.HW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240229T2100Z/ Central Siskiyou County- 1259 PM PST Thu Feb 29 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 1 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON... Winds have decreased below Warning or Advisory strength and are expected to remain below through the rest of the day. $$ Visit us at https://www.weather.gov/Medford
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this high wind warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Medford, OR wrote its last area forecast discussion before this high wind warning went out at Feb 27, 8:16 AM PST, 4 hours 49 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Feb 27, 8:16 AM PST, 4 hours 49 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Medford OR
816 AM PST Tue Feb 27 2024
.UPDATE...We are getting an early start on the forecast today
with the major winter event now beginning within 48 hours. A few
updates were made already today to bring forecasted winds in line
with the newest high resolution guidance, which has resulted in
some increases of peak wind speeds. Will focus major efforts today
on the upcoming forecast snow, rain, and wind, with major updates
expected for the Watch/Warning suite that will be issued this
afternoon. More details on the forecast can be found in the
previous discussion below. -BPN
&&
.AVIATION...27/12Z TAFs...Showery activity has mostly cleared out
over northern California and southern Oregon, leaving VFR conditions
under high ceilings and clear visibilities with light winds. The TAF
period is expected to be uneventful, with only a weak shortwave
bringing slight chances of rainfall around North Bend and Roseburg
later in the afternoon. -TAD
&&
.MARINE...Updated 815 AM Tuesday February 27, 2024...Lighter winds
are expected today, but seas will remain elevated enough for small
craft conditions to continue. A brief break in the weather is
expected tonight, then south winds will increase Wednesday with
moderate to strong winds possible Wednesday afternoon and persisting
through Wednesday night. During this time gales are possible and a
Gale Watch remains in effect. However the main change was to extend
the end time of the gales with the anticipation that once winds
diminish Thursday morning, we'll still have to deal with Hazardous
Seas Warning conditions through at least Thursday afternoon, due to
an increasing northwest swell. Once the current Small Craft
headline ends, then further refinements will likely be made to the
next set of headlines.
Seas are expected to peak out between 12 and 18 feet just ahead of
the front late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning with the
best chance for 18 foot seas over the northern waters.
Hazardous and chaotic seas will continue in the wake of Thursday's
front, with very steep seas in all waters. The pattern will remain
active Thursday night through the weekend and models are hinting at
additional surface lows that could move in the vicinity of the
waters. If this pans out, we could see a prolonged period of
moderate to occasionally strong winds and steep seas. -Petrucelli
&&
.PREV DISCUSSION... /Issued 405 AM PST Tue Feb 27 2024/
DISCUSSION...Satellite and radar imagery this morning shows
ongoing shower activity along the coast, north of the Rogue-
Umpqua Divide and along the Cascades from Lake of the Woods
northward. Surface observations indicate dry conditions elsewhere
despite lingering cloud cover from Monday's frontal passage.
Shower activity is expected to diminish as the morning progresses
into the afternoon. Showers may never fully come to an end today
though, as a warm front remains aimed just north of the forecast
area. The focus of shower activity, however, shifts farther
northward to areas north of a line from Coos Bay to Diamond Lake
this evening and overnight into Wednesday with the remainder of
the region remaining dry through much of the day Wednesday.
The attention remains focused on the complex and long duration
winter storm expected late Wednesday into Saturday. A very broad
and strong upper level trough over the Gulf of Alaska will dig
southeast and intensify, approaching the coast Wednesday night,
then slowly but surely move inland and pass through the region
Thursday through Saturday. The general pattern during this time,
including the strength, track, and timing of this trough, remain
in very good agreement across the model suites, so confidence
remains high that we will have an impactful multi-day event,
mostly divided into two phases: the frontal passage that will
produce strong winds and heavy mountain snow late Wednesday
through Thursday, and the post-frontal showers late Thursday into
Saturday which could easily result in just as much, if not more,
snow across the area that the front itself will have brought. This
pattern will also bring a very good chance for low elevation snow
with snow levels down to 1500-2000 ft Thursday night/Friday, and
lowering to many West Side Valley floors Friday night into
Saturday.
The primary focus for the morning package in terms of product
issuance remained on the first part of this winter storm: the front
itself. Winds will increase at the coast Wednesday afternoon, with
gusty southwest winds then spreading to the rest of the area
Wednesday night into Thursday morning. The cold front finally
passes through the forecast area Thursday afternoon into Thursday
evening and the strongest winds will ease at that time. Guidance
remains consistent in indicating pressure gradients along the
coast of between -8 to -9 mb, and model 850mb wind fields of 50 to
60 kt ahead of the front. This warranted the issuance of a High
Wind Watch for the headlands and exposed areas along the coast for
late Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning. Meanwhile, 700mb
model winds of 70 to 80 kt and MFR to RDD pressure gradients of -5
to -7 mb suggest that strong damaging winds are very possible in
the Shasta Valley and across the East Side, not to mention over
the ridgelines across the region. The potential for these damaging
winds have been covered in the Winter Storm Watch for most
locations, however, a High Wind Watch was issued for the Shasta
Valley north of Weed where there currently is no Winter Storm
Watch. Details on this can be found at NPWMFR. The more
southwesterly direction of the mid- level winds does not appear to
fully align with the southern Rogue Valley, so winds may not be
strong enough for a High Wind Warning there, although winds will
be gusty across nearly the entire region, and widespread wind
advisories are likely.
No changes were made to the Winter Storm Watch and the
precipitation/snowfall forecast remains largely the same. As such,
the previous day shift's thoughts/reasoning remain valid and
follows:
On the precipitation side, moisture transport values have increased
in the latest runs, and while not exceedingly strong, are strong
enough to suggest a good shot of precipitation from Wednesday night
until the front passes Thursday afternoon/evening (with the likely
exception of the Medford area, where systems such as these typically
underperform due to downsloping effects off the Siskiyous). Rainfall
amounts will be healthy, but not excessive, and the main belt of
precipitation should pass through relatively quickly late Wednesday
night into Thursday morning, so long duration heavy precipitation is
also unlikely. Snow levels of 4000 feet or higher ahead of the front
will lower to around 2000 feet by Thursday night. Winter impacts are
expected Wednesday night into Thursday for area mountains, including
all Cascade passes, where 1 to 2 feet of snow is expected along with
strong gusty winds. East of the Cascades, snow amounts will be much
less, but strong winds will combine with snow to produce very low
visibilities and blowing and drifting snow. With all of this in
mind, A Winter Storm Watch has been issued, generally for areas
above 2500 feet.
Behind the front, a much colder air mass will arrive as the very
broad upper level trough moves in overhead. Temperatures Friday into
the rest of the weekend will be more typical of early January than
early March. Snow levels will lower quickly behind the departing
front, reaching 1000 to 2000 feet by Friday morning, and will fall
even lower Friday into Saturday. Showers will be an ongoing feature
for the remainder of the extended term, with models showing several
smaller scale surface lows passing onshore Friday and Saturday. With
persistent onshore flow and the intensification of precipitation
rates with the passage of the lows in combination of the cold air
mass in place, snow could easily reach valley floors during this
time, and snowflakes may even make an appearance at the coast.
Showers will be ongoing throughout the time, although much more
heavily focused on higher terrain and the western slopes. Snow
amounts in the valleys should be light, around an inch or less, and
with warm ground temperatures it may not stick around very long.
All told, snow amounts over the Cascades, Klamaths, and the high
terrain of the East Side could easily reach 2 to 3 feet from
Thursday through Sunday.
Preparations should be made now for the increasingly likely impacts
due to snow and wind across the area late this week and this
weekend. Travel conditions are likely to be heavily impacted.
The trough finally exits to the east Sunday, with showers tapering
off through the afternoon and snow amounts trending more towards
nuisance amounts. With skies clearing and plenty of fresh snowpack
in the area, temperatures Sunday night could be very cold, with
single digits or even sub zero lows east of the Cascades, and a
chance for frost or freeze along the coast. There is little
agreement within the model suites by the end of the extended term,
with some showing ridging and others depicting the arrival of
another trough by Monday. Given the uncertainty, have kept a low
chance for precipitation in the forecast west of the Cascades, but
suspect things will change over the coming days as models come into
better agreement. -BPN/BR-y
&&
.MFR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OR...Winter Storm Watch from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday
evening for ORZ025-027-028.
Winter Storm Watch from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday
evening for ORZ029>031.
High Wind Watch from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday
morning for ORZ021-022.
Winter Storm Watch from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday
evening above 2500 feet for ORZ023-024-026.
CA...Winter Storm Watch from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday
evening above 3000 feet for CAZ080>082.
High Wind Watch from late Wednesday night through Thursday
afternoon for CAZ081.
Winter Storm Watch from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday
evening for CAZ083.
Winter Storm Watch from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday
evening for CAZ084-085.
PACIFIC COASTAL WATERS...Small Craft Advisory until 4 PM PST this
afternoon for PZZ350-356-370-376.
Gale Watch from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon for
PZZ350-356-370-376.
&&The office that day
Everything else NWS Medford, OR issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 27, 2:17 AM PST | Gale Watch | MFR | 11 hr | |
| Feb 27, 2:17 AM PST | Hazardous Seas Watch | MFR | 6 hr | |
| Feb 27, 2:52 AM PST | High Wind Watch | MFR | Coos, Curry, Douglas | 10 hr |
| Feb 27, 12:52 PM PST | Winter Storm Warning | MFR | Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and 1 more | 5 days |
| Feb 27, 1:02 PM PST | Gale Warning | MFR | 37 hr |
Nearby
High Wind Warnings in Oregon, 2024High Wind Warnings in California, 2024Every high wind warning in 2024
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.