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
Next Wave in the Atlantic to Watch

Next Wave in the Atlantic to Watch

As the Atlantic hurricane season enters its f

19 Oct 2025 6:45 PM
Strong Fall Front Fires Up Severe Chances This Weekend

Strong Fall Front Fires Up Severe Chances This Weekend

October has been relatively quiet in terms of

19 Oct 2025 4:55 PM
Next System Blows Even More Leaves Out of Trees

Next System Blows Even More Leaves Out of Trees

The trough responsible for the storms along t

19 Oct 2025 3:00 PM
Wet Pattern for the NW Continues

Wet Pattern for the NW Continues

A wet pattern is shaping up for the Northwest

19 Oct 2025 2:55 PM
NOAA Releases Outlook for Winter 25-26'

NOAA Releases Outlook for Winter 25-26'

Ready for another La Niña winter? NOAA quietl

19 Oct 2025 12:25 PM
Ridge Riding Thunderstorms in the Western Plains

Ridge Riding Thunderstorms in the Western Plains

A ridge of high pressure has been responsible

17 Oct 2025 3:00 AM
Sierra to the Rockies: Flooding Rain & Heavy Snow

Sierra to the Rockies: Flooding Rain & Heavy Snow

As of Wednesday, all evacuation orders have b

15 Oct 2025 1:45 PM