Severe Storms Fire Up Across Upper Midwest, New England And Southern Plains

Areas of strong to severe thunderstorms will erupt across parts of the Upper Midwest, northern New York, New England and the southern Plains today into this evening. 

A cold front will spark strong to severe thunderstorms in parts of Wisconsin and northern Michigan today and this evening. Main risks will be heavy downpours, damaging wind gusts, hail and even an isolated tornado. A warm front will lift across northern New York and northern New England this afternoon and tonight causing thunderstorms. Main risks with these will be heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts. A third area of severe weather could erupt across parts of the panhandle of Texas, western Kansas, southern Nebraska and far southeastern Colorado this afternoon and evening. 

The government's Storm Prediction Center has issued various Slight Risks (Level 2 out of 5) across northern New York, Vermont, northern Wisconsin, northern Michigan, the panhandle of Texas, western Kansas, southern Nebraska and far southeastern Colorado. Cities under these risks include Albany and Watertown, N.Y., Burlington, Vt., Marquette, Mich., Rhinelander, Wis., Garden City, Kan. and McCook, Neb. 

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect across northeastern Nebraska, far southeastern South Dakota, far southwestern Minnesota and northwestern Iowa currently.

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!"