SALEM Ore. (KPTV) – A potential case of tuberculosis was identified in an Oregon state prison on Friday, the Oregon Department of Corrections said on Saturday.

DOC said an inmate at the Oregon State Penitentiary who had been there for about four months showed symptoms of the illness.

Tuberculosis is a serious but treatable bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or sings.

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On Saturday, the inmate was taken to Salem Memorial Hospital for testing. Once that is complete, they will be moved to the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility infirmary, where they will be isolated in a negative pressure cell.

“We understand that this news is concerning, but we are taking every necessary step to manage this situation effectively,” said DOC Director Mike Reese. “Our priority is to safeguard the health and safety of everyone in our care — staff and incarcerated individuals alike. We have well-trained medical staff at every institution, and they are addressing any concerns staff or AICs have as more information becomes available.”

The Department of Corrections said they were working with the Oregon Health Authority to ensure proper isolation, infection control, testing, contact tracing and medical evaluation to take care of the sick person while protecting staff and other inmates.

DOC said full results from tests to confirm the case could take up to two weeks.

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The Oregon Ducks continue to build out their recruiting class for 2026.

Three-star edge rusher Dutch Horisk announced his commitment to the Ducks on Saturday. Horisk received his offer in May and is the second defensive player to commit to Oregon from next year’s class.

Horisk, hailing from St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California, is the No. 31 edge rusher and No. 442 overall player in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. He is listed at nearly 6-foot-2, weighing in at 230 pounds.

Oregon has four other commits from the 2026 class so far: four-star quarterback Jonas Williams (Illinois); four-star running back Tradarian Ball (Texas); four-star offensive tackle Kodi Greene (California); and four-star defensive lineman Tony Cumberland from Willamette High School in Eugene.

Oregon currently has 15 players committed from the 2025 class. That includes five-star safety Trey McNutt (Ohio); five-star wide receivers Dakorien Moore (Texas) and Dallas Wilson (Texas); four-star wide receiver Cooper Perry (Arizona); four-star running backs Dierre Hill (Illinois) and Jordon Davison (California); four-star quarterback Akili Smith Jr. (California); four-star offensive linemen Ziyare Addison (Florida) and Alai Kalaniuvalu (Nevada); four-star linebacker Nasir Wyatt (California); four-star edge rusher Matthew Johnson (California); four-star cornerbacks Brandon Finney (Maryland) and Dorian Brew (Texas); three-star offensive tackle Demetri Manning (Washington); and kicker/punter Rocco Graziano from Sheldon High School.

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service at 9 a.m. Saturday for strong thunderstorms until 9:30 a.m. for Central Oregon Coast Range Lowlands, Central Oregon Coast Range and Benton County Lowlands.

Expect marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 8:57 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Alsea, or 12 miles southwest of Corvallis, moving north at 35 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Wren, Blodgett, Kings Valley, Summit, Burnt Woods and Hoskins. In Oregon this includes U.S. Highway 20 west of Corvallis between mile markers 30 and 49.

The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of rapid water flow:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Slow down and drive with care:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.