Lightning in Willow Creek today. Photo provided by Sheena Bryant.

The National Weather Service of Eureka has issued a severe thunderstorm warning today for the Salyer and Willow Creek areas.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Patrick Doll said the storms are producing about half an inch of rain per hour.

“The strongest thunderstorms are up near Willow Creek,” Doll said. “These storms are moving very slow toward the southwest at about 5 miles per hour.”

Doll said the storms are producing plenty of moisture and are unlikely to ignite any fires in the area.

“There have been a lot of lightning strikes with these thunderstorms, but right now they’re toning down a little bit,” Doll said. “We did issue a couple of severe thunderstorm warnings in the area.”

Doll said severe thunderstorm are classified by gusts of 58 mph or more, or hail the size of a quarter or larger.

There is still a chance of thunderstorms hitting the Eureka area, but Doll said the inland mountain areas will be the most affected.

Graphic provided by the US National Weather Service Eureka.