A developing low pressure system will help produce scattered severe thunderstorms across the central and southern Plains today.
Upper level moisture, energy aloft, and a developing low pressure at the surface will aid in the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon through the overnight hours. Very large hail, damaging winds, and even tornadoes are possible with the greatest tornado threat associated with supercells early on in the event.
The Storm Prediction Center currently has a Slight Risk for eastern New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, southwestern Kansas, western Texas, and much of Oklahoma. Cities included are Oklahoma City, Carlsbad, N.M., Lamar, Colo., Amarillo and Midland in Texas.
The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded to an Enhanced Risk in two separate locations. The southern risk includes Lubbock and Odessa, Texas, and Hobbs, N.M. Large Hail and an increased tornado threat with a chance of a significant tornado (EF-2+) are the highlighted threats in this risk. The northern risk includes Dodge City, Kan., Lamar, Colo., and Guymon and Woodward, Okla. Destructive wind is the highlighted threat in this risk but a tornado or two cannot be ruled out.
A Tornado Watch is in effect in southeastern Colorado and western Kansas, including Garden City and Elkhart, Kan. An additional Tornado Watch is in effect in western Texas and eastern New Mexico, including Lubbock and Childress, Texas, Roswell, N.M., and Clovis, N.M.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect in the eastern Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma, including Hobart, Gage, and Clinton, Okla. A second Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect in southwest Texas including Fort Stockton and Midland.
The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded central portions of Pennsylvania and New York to a Slight Risk including places like Syracuse and Binghamton, N.Y., and State College, Pa. Damaging wind is the main threat with these storms but hail cannot be ruled out.
With storms forecast to persist into the night, flooding will also be a concern hence the Flood Watches up for northern Oklahoma, and southeastern Kansas. Many area creeks, streams, and rivers are already spilling over their banks, therefore with 2 to 4 inches of rain tonight and Friday, flash flooding will remain a top concern.
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!"
