Strong to Severe Storms Rumble Across the Plains

Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected across the Plains throughout the weekend. 

With unseasonably warm and humid conditions remaining in place this weekend, daily showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop over the northern High Plains in the afternoon and evening. These showers and storms will roll southward into portions of the central and southern Plains overnight into the morning hours. 

For today, the government's Storm Prediction Center has placed a Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, across portions of Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Nebraska. This includes cities such as Billings, Mont., Sheridan, Wyo., Rapid City, S.D., and North Platte, Neb.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for portions of northeast Colorado, the Nebraska Panhandle, extreme southwest South Dakota, and eastern Wyoming.

Large hail and damaging wind gusts will be the primary threats from thunderstorms, though an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. 

Another smaller Slight Risk covers southern Kansas into central and northern Oklahoma. This includes cities such as witchita, Kan., and Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla.

A few stronger thunderstorms may also impact cities such as Wichita, Kan., Oklahoma City, and Amarillo and Midland, Texas, especially at night. 

The weather pattern will remain nearly identical across the Plains for Sunday. A Slight Risk is also found over portions of the northern and central Plains, including portions of eastern Montana, the western Dakotas, Nebraska, and northwestern Kansas where damaging winds, large hail, and an isolated tornado will be possible. 

In addition, strong storms may develop once again over the Mid-Atlantic this evening. Flood Watches have been issued for western Maryland, Washington, D.C., eastern Virginia, and central Pennsylvania where 1 to 3, locally 5 inches of rain could fall.

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!"