Severe Storms Take Aim at the Great Lakes, Western Plains

A pair of disturbances will spark severe thunderstorms across the western Great Lakes and the western High Plains today.

An area of low pressure moving through the Upper Midwest will help draw plenty of warm and humid air northward toward the Great Lakes today. When combined with a pool of cooler air aloft, the atmosphere is expected to become quite unstable, allowing for explosive thunderstorm development during the afternoon.

As a result, the government's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms across northern Illinois into Wisconsin and western Michigan. Cities such as Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wis. and Chicago are at risk today.

Damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph and isolated tornadoes will be the primary threat from these thunderstorms.

A second area of concern is found across the western High Plains this afternoon and evening. A few upper-level disturbances will help fire off scattered thunderstorms over the mountains and foothills of southeastern Wyoming and Colorado where the Storm Prediction Center has issued a second Slight Risk for severe storms today.

Damaging wind gusts and large hail will be the primary threats from these thunderstorms, though an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Cities such as Pueblo and Denver, Colo. and Cheyenne, Wyo. are included in this risk area.

A few stronger thunderstorms will also be possible during the afternoon across portions of the Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic, as well as across portions of the central Plains. Wind gusts over 50 mph, small hail, and heavy downpours will be the primary threats.

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!"