Severe Storms Taking Shape Across the Central U.S.
A new round of severe thunderstorms is taking aim across parts of the central and southern Plains to the Lower Missouri and Middle Mississippi Valleys this evening.
An area of low pressure is strengthening over parts of Oklahoma and Kansas, helping draw warm, humid air northward while cooler, drier air pushes south on the backside of the system. This ongoing clash of air masses is supporting the development of scattered strong to severe thunderstorms through the evening hours.
As a result, the government's Storm Prediction Center has issued a large Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, across the Texas Panhandle, much of Oklahoma, central and eastern Kansas, eastern Nebraska, southern Iowa, Missouri, northern Arkansas, western Illinois, far western Kentucky, and far northwestern Tennessee.
Within this area, an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, covers northeastern Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, far northwest Arkansas, and much of western Missouri.
Cities such as Amarillo, Texas, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Kan., Kansas City and St. Louis, Mo., Des Moines, Iowa, and Springfield, Ill. are all at risk today. These risks include damaging winds, large hail, heavy downpours, and a few tornadoes.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for portions of southwest into central Kansas, northwest Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Panhandle, and the northern Texas Panhandle.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for portions of far southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri.
In addition to the severe thunderstorms, heavy rain is expected across portions of eastern Kansas, southwestern Missouri, northwestern Arkansas, and northeastern Oklahoma. Rain amounts of 1 to 3 inches will be expected, with localized rain amounts up to 5 inches possible. As a result, Flood Watches have been issued in these areas. Remember, if you approach a roadway covered in water, it is best to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
The focus for severe weather will return to the eastern U.S. for Sunday. Raleigh, N.C., Richmond, Va., Washington, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York are all at risk on Sunday.
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!"