More rounds of strong to severe storms will develop this afternoon and evening over portions of the central and southern Plains.
Like the past few days, the setup remains conducive for dangerous thunderstorms across the region as plenty of warm and humid air continues to flow out of the Gulf. This air mass will continue to collide with a cooler, drier air mass moving out of the Rockies as a series of upper-air disturbances travel eastward. This will result in a fresh round of strong to severe storms later today into tonight.
The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, for the Texas Panhandle. This includes Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas. A large Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, stretches across western Texas and western Oklahoma into southwestern Kansas and southeastern Colorado. Cities in this Slight Risk include Abilene and Midland, Texas, Woodward, Okla., Liberal and Garden City, Kan., and Lamar, Colo.
Large hail and damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph will be the main threats from storms today, though an isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out.
A few stronger thunderstorms may develop over portions of western Texas and eastern New Mexico on Friday and Saturday, but the severe weather threat will gradually wane over the next few days.
Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A "watch" means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A "warning" means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.
The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”
