This evening, thunderstorms are swiftly building across the south central region of Nebraska. They are expected to deliver damaging wind gusts of approximately 70 miles per hour and significant rainfall totals of two to four inches between the hours of six o’clock and two o’clock on Wednesday morning. As heavy storms roll across the area, residents should prepare themselves for the possibility of power outages and flooding in their immediate vicinity.
The National Weather Service in Hastings reports that the region with the highest risk is south central Nebraska, which includes Adams, Buffalo, and Kearney counties. Additionally, the region with the highest risk is north central Kansas, where a complex of storms is expected to intensify overnight on the forecast. Even if strong winds continue to be the primary threat, there is always the possibility of localized flash floods, particularly in areas that are low-lying or have poor drainage. There is a possibility that they will be accompanied by hail that is as large as quarters.
It is possible that sudden downpours, debris, and standing water might create hazardous traffic conditions on highways such as Interstate 80 and United States Route 281. Residents are strongly encouraged by emergency officials to refrain from traveling unless it is absolutely necessary, to secure valuables that are kept outside, and to keep their phones charged in case there is a power outage. When roads are inundated, motorists should never attempt to drive on them.
To this point in the month, this is the region’s highest severe weather danger, comparable to the damaging wind event that occurred in July of last year. As the threat continues to persist into the early hours of Wednesday morning, additional advisories may be issued in the event that storms continue to form.
