Brittany Lockley

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Millions of people across the Plains are preparing for a potentially dangerous stretch of weather this weekend as thunderstorms capable of producing flash flooding, large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes develop across the region.&nbsp;The plains have been active over the past several days, with multiple areas having flooding concerns. In the past 24 hours, Kansas has reported rainfall totals over 9 inches.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-06 083641-1780756612104.png">An active weather pattern will take shape from the southern and central Plains into parts of the Upper Midwest as warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico combines with a series of disturbances moving across the country. The setup is expected to fuel widespread thunderstorm development, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-06 083950-1780756810945.png">The greatest concern will be for severe thunderstorms capable of producing hail large enough to damage vehicles and property, along with powerful wind gusts that could bring down trees and power lines. While the primary threats will be hail and wind, a few storms may become strong enough to produce isolated tornadoes.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-06 084111-1780756881559.png">In addition to the severe weather risk, there is a slight risk of flash flooding on multiple days. Thunderstorms are expected to produce heavy downpours, and some locations could see multiple rounds of rain over the same areas. This could quickly lead to flooded roadways, overflowing creeks, and dangerous travel conditions, especially in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.&nbsp;<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-06 08-41-46-1780756929509.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The flood threat extends from portions of Texas northward through the Plains and into parts of the Midwest. Areas that receive repeated storms will face the highest risk of flooding as rainfall totals continue to add up through the weekend.&nbsp;<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-06 08-43-13-1780757019083.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Stay alert and keep a close eye on forecast updates. With storms expected to intensify quickly, having multiple ways to receive watches and warnings will be important. Drivers are also reminded to avoid traveling through flooded roads, as just a small amount of moving water can be enough to sweep away a vehicle.&nbsp;The unsettled weather pattern is expected to continue through the weekend, bringing the potential for additional rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms across the nation’s heartland.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Threaten Millions Across the Plains This Weekend

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Above average temperatures are in place for parts of the Northeast for today and Saturday. A few records did fall on Friday and more records will be possible on Saturday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1780711493213.png">The warm spell is expected to be short-lived, however, as a weather system moving in from the west begins to change conditions over the weekend. Clouds will increase on Saturday, followed by a growing chance of showers and thunderstorms. Storms will push southward into the Mid Atlantic region for Sunday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/BARON 5-1780711640189.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The Storm Prediction Center has issued a severe risks for Saturday and Sunday. Scattered storms capable of producing large hail and damaging winds are possible for portions of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley into the Northeast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1780711740727.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1780711765900.png">Behind the system, cooler air will return early next week, bringing temperatures back closer to seasonal averages.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1780711823703.png">Tune into WeatherNation TV on YouTube for the latest.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1C9h87MYTY" start="0"></iframe></div>

Patrick Crawford

Brief Summer Warmup in the Northeast Before Weekend Rain

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<h2 style="text-align: center">It's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/hurricane-prep-week-2026">Hurricane Prep Week on WeatherNation</a> for the first week of the Atlantic Hurricane season!</h2><h3>Eastern Pacific Becomes Focus of Early Hurricane Season Activity:</h3>While the Atlantic Basin remains quiet to start the 2026 hurricane season, forecasters are closely monitoring growing activity across the Eastern Pacific. The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Amanda along with two additional disturbances that could develop in the coming days, making the Pacific the most active tropical basin in the Northern Hemisphere right now. ( See Above Image)<h3>Amanda Becomes First Named Storm of the Season:&nbsp;</h3>Tropical Storm Amanda formed on Wednesday, becoming the first named storm of the 2026 Eastern Pacific hurricane season. The storm is currently located well away from land and is not expected to threaten any coastal areas. Amanda is producing sustained winds of around 45 mph as it moves west-northwest over open waters. Forecasters expect some additional strengthening before the storm encounters cooler ocean temperatures and less favorable atmospheric conditions later this week, leading to gradual weakening. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h3><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-06 045911-1780743576936.png"></h3><h3>Two Disturbances Could Bring Additional Development:</h3>In addition to Amanda, meteorologists are watching two separate areas of disturbed weather south and southwest of Mexico. Both systems currently have medium to high odds of tropical development over the next several days as they move over warm waters conducive to tropical cyclone formation. Some impacts on portions of Mexico are possible if either system strengthens and tracks closer to the coastline. &nbsp;&nbsp;The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor these disturbances closely, and future outlooks could increase or decrease development chances depending on how environmental conditions evolve.<h3><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-06 045948-1780743605521.png"></h3><h3>Signs Point to an Active Eastern Pacific Season:</h3>The early burst of activity is occurring as sea surface temperatures across parts of the Eastern Pacific remain warmer than average. Combined with the development of El Niño conditions, forecasters expect the basin to remain favorable for tropical cyclone formation through much of the season. NOAA’s seasonal outlook calls for an above-average Eastern Pacific hurricane season, with between 15 and 22 named storms possible. Several of those storms could reach hurricane strength, including multiple major hurricanes. &nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-05 073331-1780666421832.png">Meanwhile, the Atlantic Basin is off to a slow start, with dry air associated with Saharan dust helping suppress tropical development across much of the region. While quiet conditions are expected to continue in the near term, the Eastern Pacific is already showing signs that the 2026 tropical season could be an active one. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>Atlantic</h1>The Atlantic is starting the season with no activity expected through the first week. A big burst of Saharan Dust is providing plenty of dry air, which could impact air quality and visibility in the Caribbean and parts of Florida through the week ahead.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/BARON 5-1780712357291.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h3>Stay With WeatherNation This Hurricane Season:</h3>Whether storms threaten land or remain over open waters, WeatherNation is your destination for around-the-clock tropical coverage. Our meteorologists track every tropical wave, depression, storm, and hurricane with the latest forecast models, expert analysis, and live updates whenever conditions warrant.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1C9h87MYTY" start="0"></iframe></div>

Two Disturbances in the Eastern Pacific Have a Chance of Developing

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The start of hurricane season is bringing an increased risk of heavy rainfall and flooding to parts of the Gulf Coast and Southeast. A broad area of tropical moisture moving across the Gulf is expected to fuel widespread showers and thunderstorms over the coming days.&nbsp;As of now, this is not expected to develop into anything tropical, even though Gulf waters are in the 80s, because the low-pressure system is associated with a frontal boundary.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-03 083113-1780497088904.png">While the system is not currently expected to develop into a tropical storm, it will have plenty of moisture to work with. That could lead to periods of torrential rainfall, especially in areas where storms repeatedly track over the same locations. Flash flooding may become a concern in urban areas, low-lying spots, and places with poor drainage.&nbsp;<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/FORECAST-1780744645161.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The heaviest rainfall is expected to focus on portions of the central and eastern Gulf Coast, where several inches of rain could accumulate over a short period of time. Localized flooding could disrupt travel and create hazardous conditions on roads during periods of intense downpours.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/FORECAST2-1780744733393.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Some communities may welcome the rain after dealing with dry conditions and drought concerns in recent months. However, the potential benefits could be overshadowed by flooding issues if rainfall becomes too concentrated or persistent.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1780712126251.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-04 040143-1780567318119.png">The Atlantic hurricane season officially began this week, and although no tropical cyclone development is anticipated at this time, we will continue monitoring the Gulf and surrounding waters for any signs of organization. Residents across the Gulf Coast are encouraged to stay informed and be prepared for changing weather conditions as tropical moisture continues to move through the region.&nbsp;

Tropical Moisture Brings Increased Flood Risk to the Gulf Coast This Weekend

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Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a>

Rob Bradley

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Strong storms have been surging across the Plains and Midwest this week, producing lots of hail and strong winds, with a tornado or two. The threat continues through the overnight hours as the low-pressure system continues to slide farther east toward the Great Lakes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-05 201844-1780712330861.png"> The SLIGHT risk for severe storms extends from Nebraska to Illinois, with another SLIGHT risk for storms moving across Wisconsin. The significant severe potential sticks around, too. Damaging winds over 75 mph and even hailstones that are 2" in diameter or larger are possible!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-05 201924-1780712371331.png">An isolated tornado is possible as well, particularly for areas around the I-80 corridor.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-05 201947-1780712400470.png"><h2>Timing</h2>Storms are persisting through the overnight hours, so make sure to have a few ways to receive alerts in case warnings are issued.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/hrrrrr-1780712527230.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Tune into your full Central U.S. breakdown on WeatherNation at :30 past the hour every hour.

Two Disturbances in the Eastern Pacific Have a Chance of Developing

Tropical Moisture Brings Increased Flood Risk to the Gulf Coast This Weekend

Severe Storms Target the Midwest Overnight

Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Threaten Millions Across the Plains This Weekend

Brief Summer Warmup in the Northeast Before Weekend Rain

Two Disturbances in the Eastern Pacific Have a Chance of Developing

Tropical Moisture Brings Increased Flood Risk to the Gulf Coast This Weekend

Severe Storms Target the Midwest Overnight

Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Threaten Millions Across the Plains This Weekend

Brief Summer Warmup in the Northeast Before Weekend Rain

Two Disturbances in the Eastern Pacific Have a Chance of Developing

Tropical Moisture Brings Increased Flood Risk to the Gulf Coast This Weekend

Severe Storms Target the Midwest Overnight