Storms Bring Flood & Severe Risk from the High Plains to the Carolinas

Two low pressure systems will bring severe weather conditions to the High Plains and Carolinas today.

The first system tracking across the High Plains will help clusters of thunderstorms form this afternoon before evolving into a couple squall lines later this evening. This activity will be capable of producing hail as large or larger than baseballs, damaging wind gusts near 80 mph or more, flash flooding, and even a couple tornadoes.

The Storm Prediction Center has an Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) for far eastern Montana, western North Dakota, and northwestern South Dakota. A Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) is highlighted over eastern Montana, much of the Dakotas to northwestern Nebraska. Cities include Minot and Bismarck, N.D., Rapid City, S.D., Valentine, Neb., and Glasgow, Mont.

Another low pressure stalled out over the Ohio Valley will bring heavy rain and potentially severe weather from Missouri to the Carolinas. A large portion of this area is under a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) with a Slight Risk over much of North Carolina and northern South Carolina. Main hazards will be damaging wind gusts but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out .

Flash Flood Watches remain in effect from southeastern Kansas and northwestern Oklahoma to southern Ohio, western West Virginia to far southwestern Pennsylvania. A general 1 to 3 inches of rain can be expected with locally higher amounts of 3 to 7 inches under stronger thunderstorms.

Flood and severe hazards will continue overnight into Sunday as activity shifts slightly east. 

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!"