Boardman Braces for Bouts of Thunder, Possible Pea-Sized Hail Friday

Residents of Boardman and the surrounding Columbia Basin should keep an eye on the sky and an ear to the weather radio this Friday. The National Weather Service is forecasting a shift to unsettled conditions, with strong thunderstorms likely to roll through the region, bringing the potential for pea-sized hail.

While spring storms are not uncommon in Eastern Oregon, the specific mention of hail has local farmers and gardeners taking note. The delicate new growth on orchards and recently planted fields could be vulnerable to damage from even small ice pellets. “You always worry this time of year,” said longtime Boardman orchardist Maria Fernandez. “A lot of work is just starting to bud. We’ll be watching the radar closely.”

The expected storms are part of a broader system moving across the Pacific Northwest. For Morrow County, this means conditions could change rapidly from partly sunny to dark and stormy, accompanied by gusty winds, sudden downpours, and lightning. The primary window for severe weather is expected during the afternoon and early evening hours.

Emergency management officials advise securing loose outdoor items and preparing for possible brief power outages. Drivers on I-84 or Highway 730 should be cautious, as reduced visibility and slick roads could create hazardous conditions. “If the sky turns dark and you hear thunder, the safest place is inside a sturdy building,” reminded Morrow County Sheriff’s Deputy Carl Riggs.

Beyond the hail threat, the storms may bring a quick, heavy dose of rain. This could provide a short-term benefit to rangeland, though runoff is always a concern. After the system passes, cooler temperatures are expected to settle over Boardman for the weekend.