6/29/08 NOW: WA/OR

[Billy Griffin]

Ongoing convection has spawned numerous SVR Thunderstorm Warnings over the higher Cascade range of northern Oregon and southern Washington.

Wildfires are a big concern over much of Oregon, while high winds and hail seem to be the current threats out of the storms in southwestern WA.

Took a ride down WA 123 to Cayuse Pass and have encountered penny-size hail and winds of 40+.

[Billy Griffin]

Two impressive cells, both SVR Warned, per KRTX radar. One cell SE of Portland, another large hail producer (per ham radio reports) over rural mtns of SW WA - north of Hood River, OR.

[Billy Griffin]

At the Steven's Canyon (East) entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park, encountered nickel size hail and winds estimated at 40mph. Still have Sprint coverage at 4400 ft. elevation!

[Billy Griffin]

Outstanding chase today !!! Still ongoing hail and winds 50+ in the town of Enumclaw, WA (Seattle metro area). Absolutely an amazing display of lightning going on over the Cascades, with Mt. Rainer still visible or even backlit, at times! Will post summary and pictures in the "reports" thread.