Severe Thunderstorms, Flooding Hit Central U.S.

Several days of strong to severe thunderstorms and areas of flooding will impact the Plains and Midwest. Another system will arrive in the Plains during the middle of next week.

A steady stream of Gulf moisture into the southern Plains will combine with an approaching storm system this evening, allowing storms to erupt across the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, central Oklahoma, and central Kansas.

These areas are under Slight and Enhanced Risks from the Storm Prediction Center (a 2 and 3 out of 5 on the severity scale), with large hail, gusty winds, and tornadoes possible. This region includes Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas, Dodge City, Okla., and Wichita, Kan.

The buck does not stop for Friday, where this same storm system brings an Enhanced Risk (a 3 out of 5 on the severity scale) from eastern Oklahoma through northern Missouri and a lesser Slight Risk from north-central Texas through southwestern Wisconsin. The dry line will tag-team with a cold front, robust upper-level winds, and the aforementioned surge of Gulf air to ignite severe thunderstorms across Tornado Alley. Damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes will again be in play on Friday.

A third day of severe storms is expected further east as the cold front progresses, with pockets of storms possible from the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys into the Lower Mississippi Valley and eastern Texas.

Storms could also produce locally heavy rainfall each day, with the heaviest rain concentrated on the southeastern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley on Friday and Saturday. These regions will see 1 to 3 inches of rain through the end of the week, with locally higher amounts up to 4 inches possible.

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!"