Late Season Severe Weather Targets The Central U.S.

An unusual late-season severe weather outbreak is likely across portions of the central U.S. this afternoon into tonight.

A developing low pressure system moving through the central Plains will move along a frontal boundary that stretches from the southern Plains to the Upper Midwest. This front will separate a warm and humid air mass to the south and east from a cooler and drier air mass. The resulting clash in air masses will help ignite multiple severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

Tornado Watches are in effect from central Oklahoma to western Missouri, including Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla., Wichita, Kan., and Kansas City. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains across northern Missouri.

The government's Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, for portion of eastern Kansas, northern Oklahoma and western Missouri. This include Wichita, Kan., Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla., and Kansas City, Mo., where damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, large hail, and even a tornado will be possible this afternoon and evening.

Surrounding this area, a large Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, stretches from northern Texas through central Missouri, southern Iowa, and southeastern Nebraska, including Dallas, and Springfield, Mo. Here, damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threats.

As this cold front sinks south and eastward tonight and Thursday morning, a few stronger thunderstorms capable of producing wind gusts over 50 mph will be possible for cities such as Waco and Austin, Texas, Little Rock, Ark., St. Louis, and Peoria, Ill.

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!”