High Plains Brace For More Severe Storms

A stubborn weather pattern will continue to produce the threat for severe weather across the High Plains tonight.

A low pressure system will continue to spin over the central Rockies tonight. Plenty of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico will advance toward the High Plains and, when aided by some upper-air energy, severe storms will continue to develop this evening. 

Areas of western Kansas into the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles are most at risk for the strongest storms this evening. Here, the government’s Storm Prediction Center considers the situation an Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms, a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather scale. Residents from Garden City and Liberal, Kan., to Woodward, Okla., should be on the lookout for damaging winds of 60 to 70 mph and hail to the size of baseballs.

A broad area of the Front Range from Nebraska to the Texas Big Bend will be bracing for strong to severe thunderstorms as well. A Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale,  has been issued for cities such as Pueblo, Colo., McCook, Neb., and Amarillo and Fort Stockton, Texas.
 
Severe weather is expected to shift northward on Sunday and will be possible over the northern and central Plains as a quick-moving disturbance tracks across the region. 

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!”