Severe weather threats shift northward for today across the central and southern Plains.
A surface front stretching from the central Rockies to the Lower Mississippi Valley will act as a trigger for thunderstorm development this afternoon and evening. Aided by some upper-air weather disturbances, strong to severe thunderstorms are in the offering later today into tonight.
As such, the government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, across the central and southern Plains, stretching from northeastern Colorado and southwestern Nebraska southeastward to the Texas Panhandle, northeastern Oklahoma, and northwestern Arkansas.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for the central High Plains, including towns such as Elkhart and Goodland, Kan., as well as Sidney and Scottsbluff, Neb.
Damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, large hail, and locally heavy rainfall will be the primary concerns from thunderstorms today into tonight. However, an isolated tornado will be possible, especially across portions of southwestern Nebraska, northeastern Colorado, and western Kansas.
Some cities at risk include Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla., Wichita, Kan., and McCook, Neb.
Strong to locally severe storms will continue to rumble across the central and southern Plains through Memorial Weekend. Other Slight Risks have been issued across portions of northern Texas into western Alabama for both Saturday and Sunday. All modes of severe weather will be possible, especially very large hail.
In addition to the rounds of thunderstorms, localized heavy rainfall from these storms will lead to flooding concerns. A Flood Watch is in effect throughout the holiday weekend across northeastern Oklahoma, southeastern Kansas, northern Arkansas, and southwestern Missouri. Localized rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches will be possible. Remember, when you see a flooded roadway, “Turn around, don’t drown!”
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!"
