Central U.S. a Magnet for Severe Storms

The Central U.S. remains a hotspot for severe thunderstorms tonight and Tuesday.

A disturbance moving through the north-central U.S. and its associated cold front will be the main contributing factors to severe weather development tonight. Along with a soupy environment, warm temperatures, strong winds aloft and plenty of instability, severe thunderstorms will form this evening. In preparation for this severe event, the government's Storm Prediction Center has placed an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, across portions of the Plains.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for parts of far northeast Colorado, far northwest Kansas, and southern Nebraska. Cities include McCook, Neb., and Hill City, Kan. 

Another Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for parts of Kansas, including Garden a city, Dodge City, Russel, Salina, Concordia, Manhattan, Emporia and Topeka. 

An Enhanced Risk covers central and western Nebraska, northern Kansas, and northeastern Colorado, including North Platte and Alliance, Neb. The primary focus here will be wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, but hail larger than quarters and tornadoes will also be possible.

Surrounding this Enhanced Risk is a Slight Risk, including Sheridan, Wyo., Rapid City, S.D., Duluth, Minn., Eau Claire, Wisc., Sioux City, Iowa, Omaha, Grand Island and McCook, Neb., and Colby and Hays, Kan. The main threats here will be hail larger than quarters and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph.

An upper-level disturbance on Tuesday will deliver similar threats for the central Plains. Strong winds aloft will remain along with a moist environment. Temperatures will remain warm and strong instability is also expected, leading to an ideal environment for severe thunderstorms to form. Timing for activity will primarily be during the afternoon hours, but storms may linger into the evening. An Enhanced Risk has already been issued for central Kansas to highlight the risk for tornadoes, strong wind gusts and large hail.

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!"