Boardman Braces for Pea-Sized Hail as Spring Thunderstorms Roll In

Residents of Boardman and surrounding Morrow County should keep an eye on the sky and an ear to the weather radio this Thursday. The National Weather Service is forecasting a strong likelihood of thunderstorms, with conditions ripe for the potential of pea-sized hail.

These springtime systems, moving in from the west, can develop quickly over the Columbia Basin. While bringing much-needed rain to the region’s farms, the storms carry the risk of sudden, gusty winds and brief, heavy downpours that could reduce visibility on highways like I-84 and US-395.

The primary concern for local farmers and vehicle owners is the predicted hail. Pea-sized hail, while generally not life-threatening, can cause minor damage to tender crops in early growth stages and dent vehicles left unprotected. Ranchers are advised to ensure livestock have access to shelter as conditions deteriorate.

“We see these dynamic setups every spring,” said a local meteorologist familiar with Eastern Oregon patterns. “The clash of warmer, moist air with cooler systems creates the instability needed for thunderstorms. Hail forms when updrafts carry raindrops high into the colder parts of a storm cloud, where they freeze and grow before falling.”

Boardman Public Works officials recommend securing loose outdoor items, such as patio furniture and trash bins, before any storms hit. Drivers caught in a storm should slow down, turn on their headlights, and avoid pulling under trees or overpasses if seeking temporary shelter from hail.

The unsettled weather is expected to pass through by late Thursday evening, giving way to clearer skies for the weekend. Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts for any updates or severe weather warnings.