Severe Thunderstorms Take Aim at the Southern Plains

A fresh round of severe thunderstorms is expected this afternoon and evening across the southern Plains.
 
Seasonably warm and humid air continues to flow into the southern Plains from the Gulf. This air will interact with a cooler, drier air mass moving out of the Rockies. This clash of air masses will help produce strong to severe storms later this afternoon and evening.
 
The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk, or a 2 out 5 on the severe weather probability scale, across portions of western Texas into southern Nebraska.
 
Damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph and large hail will be the primary threats from storms today, but an isolated tornado or two will also be possible. Some cities at risk include Midland, Lubbock, and Amarillo, Texas, Woodward, Okla., and Garden City and Topeka, Kan. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for portions northwestern Texas into southwestern Oklahoma. 

A few stronger thunderstorms capable of producing wind gusts greater than 50 mph and small hail will also be possible throughout the rest of the southern and central Plains into the Upper Midwest. This includes cities such as Oklahoma City, Wichita, Kan., Kansas City, Mo., Omaha, Neb., Des Moines, Iowa, and Milwaukee.
 
A few stronger storms will also be possible this afternoon across parts of Georgia and eastern North and South Carolina, including Savannah, Ga., Charleston, S.C., and Wilmington, N.C.

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 tonight's severe weather. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”