Severe Storms Impact The Plains
Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to fire up later this afternoon and tonight across much of the central and northern Plains likely creating travel delays.
A potent cold front will march across much of the Dakotas, western Minnesota, Nebraska, western Iowa and parts of Kansas later this afternoon into tonight causing strong to severe thunderstorms to form. These thunderstorms will have the potential to produce damaging wind gusts up to 60 to 80 mph, large hail and even some tornadoes. The region that will experience the greatest risk for severe weather will be the Dakotas and northwestern Minnesota.
The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for much of North Dakota, eastern and central South Dakota, northwestern Minnesota, north central Nebraska, southwestern Kansas and parts of far western Oklahoma. This risk area includes Minot and Bismarck, N.D. and Aberdeen and Pierre, S.D, and Valentine, Neb .
A Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) has been issued from the panhandle of Oklahoma to Nebraska, western Iowa, the Dakotas and parts of Minnesota. Cities included are Lincoln, Neb. and St. Cloud, Minn.
Flood Watches are in effect from eastern Kansas to Illinois southward all the way to parts of Kentucky and Tennessee. A general 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected across this large area, but some local amounts up to 5 inches are possible.
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!"