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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... STORM Thunderstorm wreaks havoc across Rogue Valley Comment By Thomas Moriarty Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Thomas Moriarty Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 7, 2015 at 8:36 PM Updated Jul 7, 2015 at 9:25 PM By Thomas Moriarty Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 7, 2015 at 8:36 PM Updated Jul 7, 2015 at 9:25 PM » Social News A fast-moving thunderstorm that barrelled through the Rogue Valley tonight sparked dozens of reports of downed power lines, grass fires and damage from downed trees. The National Weather Service in Medford lifted its severe thunderstorm warning by 8:45 p.m., but an urban and small stream flood advisory remains in effect for Medford, Ashland, Talent and the surrounding unincorporated areas, as well as a special weather statement warning of torrential rains. "We issued that because of reports of very heavy rain in the Ashland area," said Jay Stockton, an NWS forecaster. By 8:12 p.m., the NWS had been reporting winds in excess of 40 mph near Talent. Hail a half-inch in size was reported by a weather spotter just minutes earlier, and forecasters advised residents not to drive and to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of their home. Within 20 minutes of the storm's arrival, Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon had dispatched firefighters from Medford, Ashland, Rogue River and Jackson County Fire District Nos. 3 and 5 to more than 26 reports of downed powerlines. Repeated lightning strikes east of Roxy Ann Peak were clearly visible from downtown Medford, where pedestrians sought refuge in nearby doorways and businesses as tree branches, small storm debris and dust ripped through the streets. "We've got a lot of reports of wind damage, lots of broken branches, downed trees," Stockton said. "We had a gust at the airport of 48 knots, which is a gust of 55 miles per hour, our peak gust (for the storm)." As of 9 p.m., the Oregon Department of Transportation is reporting traffic delays on Highway 99 near Talent as a result of high water on the roadway. The Medford Police Department is asking residents not to go outside until the storm passes, advising officers have taken multiple reports of very close lightning strikes. Stockton said the exact forecast for Wednesday morning was unclear. "It's a good question where these thunderstorms are going to be tomorrow," he said. "We know they're going to be around tomorrow, but not exactly where at this point." Reach reporter Thomas Moriarty at 541-776-4471, or by email at [email protected] . Follow him at @ThomasDMoriarty . By Thomas Moriarty Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Thomas Moriarty Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 7, 2015 at 8:36 PM Updated Jul 7, 2015 at 9:25 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501