Severe Storms And Flooding Impact The Plains

Areas of strong to severe thunderstorms and heavy, flooding rain will occur across the Plains into parts of the Midwest today and this evening. 

A strong disturbance will emerge from out of the Rockies causing strong to severe thunderstorms and potentially flooding rainfall from far eastern Colorado into the Plains and along the Ohio River in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. Thunderstorms will have the potential to produce heavy downpours, large hail, damaging wind gusts and even tornadoes. 

The government's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) over far eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, northern Arkansas, Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana and parts of Kentucky. Cities under this risk include McCook, Neb., Wichita and Dodge City, Kan., Oklahoma City and St. Louis, Fayetteville, Ark., Springfield, Ill., Indianapolis and Louisville, Ky.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is currently in effect across much of Kansas, parts of far northern Oklahoma and far western Missouri. Cities under this watch include Wichita, Kan, and Kansas City, Mo.

Flooding will also be a major concern across parts of the Lower Midwest today and tonight, where 2 to 4 inches of rain could lead to widespread flooding. Local rain amounts of up to 8 inches will be possible in the heaviest rainfall. Flood Watches are in place across eastern parts of Nebraska and Kansas, Missouri, far southern Iowa and into Illinois and parts of Indiana. 

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they be 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. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"