Severe Storms Possible in the High Plains, Midwest, & Appalachians

Two separate severe weather areas will occur today, one in the High Plains, the other in the Lower Midwest.

Flood Watches have been issued from southern Iowa and northern Missouri to central West Virginia. In addition there is Flood watches in southeastern Wyoming, the Nebraska panhandle, and northeastern Colorado. 

A stationary front remains along the Ohio and Indiana border southeast into western West Virginia, western Virginia and western North Carolina. Hot weather is expected along with ample moisture and moderate upper-level energy. With all the ingredients in place, severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening.

The government's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, for southeastern Indiana, southwestern Ohio, and northern Kentucky. This includes Columbus and Cincinnati. Damaging wind gusts will be the main concern with isolated tornadoes possible in Indiana and Ohio.

Heavy rain will spread east and impact eastern Indiana and western and central Ohio where 2 to 4 inches of rain will be likely. Low-lying, urban, and poor drainage areas will be susceptible to flooding today. Remember, when faced with floodwaters, "Turn Around, Don't Drown!"

Further west, a disturbance and its cold front will contribute to severe weather development in the High Plains this afternoon and evening. The government's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, for far southeastern Wyoming, eastern Colorado, western Nebraska and far western Kansas. This includes Aurora, Colo. and Cheyenne, Wyo. Damaging wind gusts and hail larger than quarters will be the primary impacts.

Be sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means that the conditions are in place to possibly produce severe weather, while a warning indicates that those conditions are currently occurring. Be sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings, as storms will be occurring late tonight. Also, take caution if you are outdoors during a thunderstorm. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”