Update: Weather alert issued for strong thunderstorms in Harney and Malheur counties Saturday evening [Video]

The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 5:57 p.m. on Saturday for strong thunderstorms until 6:45 p.m. for Harney and Malheur counties.

Residents should prepare for wind gusts of up to 55 mph.

“At 5:56 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Harney Lake to 6 miles northeast of Moon Hill. Movement was northeast at 15 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Expect strong thunderstorms in the following locations:

• Harney Lake, Diamond, Buena Vista Field Station, and Diamond Craters around 6 p.m.
• Narrows around 6:10 p.m.
• Barton Lake and western Malheur Lake around 6:20 p.m.
• Riddle Mountain and Malheur Refuge Headquarters around 6:30 p.m.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert …