A high wind warning will be in effect from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. this evening (6/22) for all of Malheur County. Expect heavy rain and/or small hail stones and wind gusts of up to 60 mph. A brief thunderstorm will roll through Malheur County this afternoon around 5 p.m. bringing a brief spell of heavy rain and possibly some small hail stones. Expect wind gusts of up to 60 mph. High wind watch will expire at 10 p.m. tonight.

The National Weather Service issues a number of Watches, Warnings and other products to alert the public about high wind events.

High Wind Warning: Take Action! Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are expected today. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheels and slow down.

High winds can occur during a severe thunderstorm, with a strong weather system, or can flow down a mountain. When winds are sustained at 40-50 mph, isolated wind damage is possible. Widespread significant wind damage can occur with higher wind speeds. During strong thunderstorms, straight line wind speeds can exceed 100 mph. High winds can blow objects around and pose a significant threat to your safety.

What you can do during a wind storm:

The safest place to during high winds is indoors.

Postpone outdoor activities if a wind advisory or high wind warning has been issued.

If you are caught outside during high winds:

Take cover next to a building or under a shelter.

Stand clear of roadways or train tracks, as a gust may blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Use handrails where available on outdoor walkways and avoid other elevated areas such as roofs without adequate railing.

Watch for flying debris. Tree limbs may break and street signs may become loose during strong wind gusts. Keep an eye toward nearby balconies for loose objects that may fall.

In the event of a downed power line:

Call for help. Report downed lines to your local utility emergency center and to the police. Do not try to free lines or to remove debris yourself.

Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches. Puddles and even wet or snow-covered ground can conduct electricity in some cases. Warn others to stay away.

If you see someone who has been shocked who may be in direct or indirect contact with a power line, do not try to touch them. You may become a second victim. Get medical attention as quickly as possible by calling 911.

If a line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle. Take care not to touch any of the metal frame of your vehicle. Honk your horn, roll down the window and warn anyone who may approach of the danger. Ask someone to call the police. Do not exit the car until help arrives, unless it catches on fire. To exit, open the door, but do not step out. Jump, without touching any of the metal portions of the car’s exterior, to safe ground and get quickly away.

If you are driving:

Keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.

Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path.

Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel.

Take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as a truck, van, SUV, or when towing a trailer, as these are more prone to be pushed or even flipped by high wind gusts.

If winds are severe enough to prevent safe driving, get onto the shoulder of the road and stop, making sure you are away from trees or other tall objects that could fall onto your vehicle. Stay in the car and turn on the hazard lights until the wind subsides.