Severe weather is expected to hit Nebraska starting at midnight Monday, with two rounds of storms that could bring damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes, lasting into early Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley is closely monitoring the situation and providing updates as conditions change.
First Round of Storms: Midnight to 5 A.M. Monday
The first wave of storms is predicted to move through central Nebraska between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. Monday. This will affect areas such as Kearney, Grand Island, and Columbus, with residents in these areas needing to be prepared for possible severe weather, including strong winds and hail.
Second Round: More Intense Storms from 10 P.M. Monday to 7 A.M. Tuesday
A second, potentially more intense round of storms is expected to hit Nebraska after 10 p.m. Monday. These storms could last until 7 a.m. Tuesday, pushing in from the west. This round may bring even stronger winds and hail, along with the possibility of tornadoes in some areas.
Level 3 Risk Areas: South-Central Nebraska at High Risk
A Level 3 risk is in place for parts of south-central Nebraska, including areas near Holdrege and Hastings. In these areas, large hail over 2 inches in diameter and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph are possible. This makes it crucial for residents to prepare early, as these conditions could cause significant damage.
Level 2 Risk for Lincoln and Omaha
Cities like Lincoln and Omaha are under a Level 2 risk, where flash flooding and strong winds overnight are expected. While the risk of tornadoes is lower here, residents should still remain cautious and stay informed about the storm’s progress.
Safety Tips for Residents
Residents are urged to take action ahead of the storms by securing loose outdoor items, charging their phones and devices, and enabling emergency alerts. As many of the storms are likely to occur overnight while people are asleep, it’s important to stay weather-aware through Tuesday morning.
Preparing for More Watches and Warnings
As the storm system evolves, additional watches and warnings may be issued. It’s essential to remain updated with the latest weather alerts to stay safe.
