Locally severe storms to rumble through southern Plains into Friday evening
Historic flooding in Nebraska has caused multiple water treatment plants to shut down.Peru, Nebraska has trucks full of water bottles, but with college students returning soon, they will need more.
While many across the southern Plains have enjoyed dry, springlike weather over the past week or so, another round of wet and locally severe weather is in store into Friday evening.
According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Babinski, a storm is expected to "roll out of the southwestern United States and into the Plains states to end the week."
"This system will help to fuel multiple thunderstorms across Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas," he said. Storms can also fire up in southeast Colorado.
While a widespread severe weather outbreak is not expected, residents should still prepare for the possibility of locally violent storms that can bring downpours, damaging winds, hail and even an isolated tornado.
Outdoor furniture and other objects should be secured or brought inside, pets and livestock should be offered adequate shelter and plans may have to be rescheduled.
Due to the recently dry weather, dust storms could develop ahead of any thunderstorms across western Texas. If caught in a dust storm while driving, motorists should pull well off the road, turn off any driving lights and keep the car radio on until visibility improves.
These storms are expected to push eastward into south-central Kansas, central Oklahoma and central and eastern Texas for Saturday. Luckily, no widespread precipitation is expected to impact areas devastated by river flooding.
"Some of the strongest storms will be capable of producing drenching rainfall, damaging wind gusts, hail and even a tornado," Babinski warned. The greatest risk of an isolated tornado will be into Friday evening.
Driving becomes increasingly dangerous during such storms, with heavy rain limiting visibility and increasing the chances of hydroplaning at highway speeds. Strong winds can blow debris onto the road such as branches and tumbleweeds, and can threaten to topple high-profile vehicles.
Anyone traveling through Saturday will need to keep an eye on their local radar and pay attention to watches and warnings. It may be beneficial to plan to run errands before and after storms move through your area.
Download the free AccuWeather app for your detailed local forecast as the week progresses.
