Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Warning and Funnel Clouds Hit Clackamas County

Residents of Western Oregon were put on high alert this past Saturday as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a brief but intense weather tornado warning for portions of Clackamas County. The alert followed multiple reports of funnel clouds appearing near Molalla, sending a wave of urgency through the local community.

The Moment of Danger: Funnel Clouds in Molalla

The warning, which remained in effect until approximately 4 p.m., was triggered by a combination of advanced technology and real-time observations. According to Bobby Corser, a Digital Meteorologist and Storm Tracker, the NWS Portland office detected rotation on their radar, but it was the “ground truth”—confirmed reports from storm spotters—that led to the official warning.

Spotters reported seeing multiple funnel clouds descending, creating a volatile atmospheric situation. Similar activity was reported later in the afternoon, with video footage capturing a funnel cloud between Brush Prairie and Battle Ground before it eventually lifted back into the storm cells.

Critical Safety Measures During a Tornado Warning

When a weather tornado warning is issued, every second counts. The National Weather Service of Portland emphasized the extreme danger to mobile homes, roofs, and vehicles. To ensure your safety during such events, the NWS recommends the following actions:

n
• Seek Immediate Cover: Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
• Avoid Glass: Stay far away from windows to avoid injury from shattered glass.
• Find Substantial Shelter: If you are outdoors, in a vehicle, or in a mobile home, move to the nearest permanent building immediately to protect yourself from flying debris.

Beyond the Funnel: Lightning Strikes and Regional Storms

The atmospheric instability wasn’t limited to the threat of tornadoes. The region experienced a series of severe thunderstorms and hail across Western Oregon and Southwest Washington. In a harrowing turn of events, a golfer in Clackamas County was struck by lightning shortly before the funnel clouds were spotted near West Linn.

For real-time updates and official safety protocols, citizens are encouraged to monitor the National Weather Service website.

Staying Vigilant

While the immediate tornado threat has passed, meteorologists warn that strong showers and thunderstorms can continue to develop rapidly during this season. Keeping a weather radio handy and staying tuned to local alerts is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the unpredictability of severe weather.