Central and Southern Plains Set for Severe Weather Friday

news image
Special Stories
17 May 2019 10:27 AM
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is expecting active weather into the weekend with the risk for severe thunderstorms returning to the Plains and portions of the Mid-Atlantic. Severe thunderstorms will remain likely in the middle of the nation into early next week. Friday looks to be an active day for thunderstorms, as widespread severe weather is likely. We will see the potential for tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds, as multiple strong upper level waves in a very fast flow aloft will move through the Plains. The setup is this - stronger upper level winds will begin to spread across the Plains as a low pressure center begins to develop. The SPC has issued an enhanced risk for severe weather in Texas and Nebraska. Humidity will be increasing ahead of a dryline in the central to southern Plains northward to a warm front in the Upper Midwest. Thunderstorms will develop in the late afternoon and continue through the night, with some supercells likely. All modes of severe weather are possible: tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts. [Related Articles: What does an SPC enhanced risk mean?] In the southern enhanced region, more shear is present in the atmosphere. Turning of the winds with height adds rotation in the atmosphere. Large hail will be the primary threat for cities like Lubbock. Timing for this event could be into the overnight hours. In the Nebraska Enhanced Risk, an area of low pressure will track east. Moisture and instability will be plentiful, even that far north. If you are in the risk areas, stay storm aware with the latest information from WeatherNation on-air and online. We will have live reports from in the field, along with updated forecasts and current watches and warnings. For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels
All Weather News
More
Tropical Depression Two Officially Forms in the Gulf

Tropical Depression Two Officially Forms in the Gulf

In the Atlantic basin, we are keeping a very

19 Jul 2026 3:00 PM
Another Round of Severe Weather for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

Another Round of Severe Weather for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

The upper level low train continues to keep t

19 Jul 2026 2:30 PM
Another Round of Storms Targets the Northeast

Another Round of Storms Targets the Northeast

Another cold front is dropping east and will

19 Jul 2026 1:32 PM
Thick Wildfire Smoke Continues to Pour Across the Great Lakes, East Coast

Thick Wildfire Smoke Continues to Pour Across the Great Lakes, East Coast

Wildfires burning in Northwestern Ontario, Ca

19 Jul 2026 10:50 AM
Severe Storms Target the Northeast Saturday

Severe Storms Target the Northeast Saturday

While smoke and heat have made headlines in t

19 Jul 2026 2:05 AM
Monsoon Moisture Brings Weekend Flood Threat

Monsoon Moisture Brings Weekend Flood Threat

The monsoon has returned to the southwestern

19 Jul 2026 1:30 AM
After Historic Flooding, Flood Risk Moves West Saturday

After Historic Flooding, Flood Risk Moves West Saturday

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY - Life-threatening floodin

18 Jul 2026 1:00 AM