Overcast Father’s Day skies turned boisterous in Portland on Sunday, as thunderclaps could be heard in the city and elsewhere in the region.
The National Weather Service issued a severe weather warning that ended around 5 p.m. for thunderstorms, heavy rain and quarter-size hail in the Portland area. Rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms remain for Sunday night, according to the weather service.
The weather service also warned of gusty winds and strong thunderstorms in portions of northern Clackamas County. Winds of up to 30 miles per hour and half inch hail were expected in the area, although the weather service lifted the warning around 5:30 p.m.
If outdoors when storms strike, weather forecasters recommend people head inside.
Heavy storms also resulted in a funnel cloud sighting Sunday morning near Camas, Washington. Funnel clouds are the precursor to a tornado, and become a tornado when they touch the ground. The cloud, classified as a waterspout by forecasters, formed over the Camas Slough near the Columbia River. The weather service said more of these clouds might form as storm activity continues.
The weather service also confirmed a weak tornado near Daniels Field Airport in Linn County.
Showers will likely carry into Tuesday, with sunny weather returning later in the week.
– Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744