Much of the Plains will experience severe weather today, whether it’s gusty winds, hail or an isolated tornado.
A surface low pressure system and its associated cold front will advance through the Plains today. Moderate upper-level energy aloft will also contribute to the severe weather threat in addition to warm temperatures and plenty of moisture.
The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted southeastern South Dakota, far southwestern Minnesota, far northwestern Iowa, Nebraska, far southeastern Wyoming, and far eastern Colorado with a Slight Risk, including Cheyenne, Wyo., McCook, Grand Island and Norfolk, Neb., Colby, Kan., Amarillo, Texas, and Sioux Falls, S.D. The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded to an Enhanced Risk in western Kansas, western Oklahoma, and the Texas Panhandle including Garden City and Dodge City, Kan., Guymon, Okla., and Perryton, Texas. An increased probibility for strong winds is the main reasoning for this upgrade. Activity will fire this evening, lasting through the overnight hours. Hail as large as golf balls as well as strong wind gusts exceeding 55 mph will be the main concern across the threat area, but isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out for central Nebraska.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, including Guymon, Okla., and Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas. A second Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for parts of central Minnesota, including St. Cloud.
This system’s cold front will later advance and bring additional severe weather concerns from central Texas northeast to southwestern Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon and evening.
The Storm Prediction Center already has a Slight Risk in place here, which includes Abilene and Fort Worth, Texas, Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Okla., Kansas City and Joplin, Mo., and Davenport, Ill. Hail as large as golf balls as well as strong wind gusts exceeding 55 mph will be the main concern across the threat area. Isolated tornadoes may also occur from north-central Texas northeast to southern Wisconsin.
Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they be 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. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"
