Severe Storms Rumble Across the Plains

Severe thunderstorms are likely to bubble across the Plains this afternoon and evening, bringing hail and gusty winds.

The stormy conditions are the result of a broad low pressure system emerging from the Rockies. With warm Gulf moisture streaming northward, the atmosphere will be whipped to a froth by this evening.

An Enhanced Risk, a level 3-of-5 on the severe weather probability scale, has been added across central Kansas, while a Slight Risk exists from western South Dakota to northern Oklahoma. Cities such as Rapid City, S.D., McCook, Neb., Wichita, Kan., and Enid, Okla. are at risk to see large hail, damaging wind gusts, and even a few tornadoes from these thunderstorms today.

Severe Thunderstorm Watches have been issued from northeastern Colorado to southwestern South Dakota, and from southern South Dakota to northern Oklahoma. This includes the I-25 corridor cities of northern Colorado and Wyoming, Fort Collins, Colo., and Cheyenne, Wyo., as well as Rapid City, S.D., Scottsbluff and Sidney, Neb., and Dodge City and Wichita, Kan.

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!"