WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p>Lala continues to trace the Southern coastlines of the Hawaiian Islands. The center of circulation passed just south of the Big Island on Saturday. However, with its proximity, very heavy rain and winds gusting above 80mph still occurred. </p><p>The Hawaii Department of Transportation reported that parts of Highway 11 on the Big Island were shut down due to flooding. More than 90,000 customers lost power Saturday as a result of the storm. As the storm moves west-northwest, expect conditions to deteriorate for each island through Sunday.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2088807962383143316" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2088807962383143316"></div><p>Lala's intensity gradually increased through Saturday. Interaction with Hawaii will likely cause subtle weakening into Monday. However, once it moves into the open waters of the Pacific, expect it to return to Hurricane status.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-16 042630-1786875998941.png"></p><p>A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for the Big Island. Tropical Storm Warnings are in place for Maui and all other islands.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-14 214457-1786765516348.png">Tropical storm and hurricane conditions will continue for portions of the state as the system moves through. The higher wind impacts will be felt on the east side of the circulation, as the front right quadrant sees the strongest winds. Tropical storm winds will start spreading west through Sunday. Flooding will likely be the biggest threat with this system, as terrain-enhanced rain could top a foot of accumulation on the Big Island. When heavy rain saturates soils, trees can be toppled more easily. Tropical storm-force winds could have bigger impacts in this scenario.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-16 042723-1786876055198.png"></p><p>Beach conditions are also expected to deteriorate as Lala gets closer. Larger swells generated by the system could lead to increasing surf and dangerous conditions along exposed coastlines.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;High Surf Warnings are in place for most eastern-facing shores.</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-14 215314-1786766061651.png"></p>

Kevin Schneider

Lala Impacting Hawaii with Damaging Winds, Flooding

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2088604118151479464" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2088604118151479464"></div><p>The Midwest can't catch a break. After a damaging week of severe thunderstorms and flooding, the pattern of destructive weather continues. Rounds of storms are likely in the same spots through Saturday. This will lead to a risk of flooding across these areas.</p><h1>FLOODING</h1><p>The Weather Prediction Center continues with another Moderate risk (Level 3 of 4) of excessive rainfall. Grounds are still saturated and local waterways are crested near record levels in Indiana, so any additional rain could have devastating impacts.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-16 041955-1786875603026.png"></p><p>The concern returns to areas like Buchannon, WV where catastrophic flooding has already been an issue. Flash Flood Warnings have already been issued in some areas, and a flood watch covers the rest of the day in the Ohio River Valley. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-16 042125-1786875718657.png"></p><p>Storms will steer clockwise around that high through the end of the weekend. An additional 3+ inches will be possible over these waterlogged areas. Models seem to favor areas in Virginia for the heaviest rainfall.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-16 042231-1786875762330.png">Here is the latest timing of the storms over the next few days. It won't all be afternoon storms as the risk will also be there in these spots for the overnight and early morning hours.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/FORECAST-1786837980662.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p>

Flooding Risk Lingers for Another Day

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<p>The last few days Mother Nature has turned down the heat somewhat for the Southwest, with the extra clouds and monsoon storms back in the picture. As we start a new work week, high pressure returns westward to the Desert Southwest. An Extreme Heat Warning has been issued for cities including Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-16 041704-1786875443493.png"></p><p>Monday high temperatures will return to the upper 100s and low 110s for the Southwest. So, make sure you stay hydrated and look after the elderly with the high heat returning. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/1-1786847315125.png"></p><p>If you thought the hot temperatures would be a short-term thing, you would be wrong! Hot temperatures are here to stay for end of August.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/1-1786847600823.png"></p>

Heat Returning to the Desert This Week

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<p>Last week several rounds of storms moved through areas of the Midwest, producing significant wind gusts and flash flooding. notably for portions of Iowa and Illinois, while Nebraska and Kansas saw their share of impacts as well. Another cold front will arrive shortly after the previous front leaves, sparking a new wave of severe storms, including potential for flash flooding.</p><h1>Forecast</h1><p>Wind shear will increase across the Plains and Midwest as a strong trough moves across Canada, while a cold front will cut into the United States. Along the front on Monday and Tuesday, isolated to scattered severe storms are possible. Instability will be somewhat limited, so severe storms are more likely in the afternoons when daytime heating can add energy to the atmosphere.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-16 04-37-08-1786876876753.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Outlooks</h1><p>As the front dips into the Upper-Midwest on Monday, scattered severe storms will be possible from Sioux Falls down to central Nebraska, with isolated severe storms possible from NW Oklahoma though Minnesota. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-16 042432-1786876706940.png"></p><p>Wind and hail damage are the primary hazards with these storms, but a few tornadoes are possible as well (below). </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-16 042437-1786876722138.png"></p><p>As the front swings farther south and east on Tuesday, another round of scattered severe storms is anticipated from Nebraska though western Illinois.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-16 042442-1786876722138.png"></p><p>By Tuesday, heavy rain will become a bigger hazard, with scattered flash flooding possible for areas in dark green (below). Soils are saturated from last weeks rain in many of these areas, meaning runoff or flooding will occur more quickly than normal. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-16 043445-1786876722136.png"></p>

Rob Bradley

Cold Front Brings Severe Storms Back to the Midwest

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<p>A ridge of high pressure continues to dominate the southern tier of the US, sending storms riding around the ridge through the Midwest and Northeast. Under the high-pressure block, extreme heat and humidity will persist, lasting into next week for some locations.</p><h2>Central U.S.</h2><p>The long-lasting heat dome has triggered heat alerts from Missouri through Florida, with extreme heat warnings in effect (pink boxes, below) along with many heat advisories. Highs will soar into the triple digits, feeling 5-15 degrees hotter with the humidity. Make sure to find adequate ways to stay cool!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/1-1786845928114.png"></p><p></p><p>Feels-like temperatures remain dangerously hot across the central United States. For cities like Little Rock, our temperatures will feel over 110 degrees.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/1-1786845989875.png"></p><p></p><h2>Southeast</h2><p>Heat alerts are also in place from Mississippi and toward the Atlantic Coast for the dangerous heat index values through the weekend. Many areas will feel like 110-115 in the afternoon. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/1-1786846017373.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-15 043558-1786790173846.png"></p>

Jesse Kelley

Stifling Heat Slides East This Week

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2087625672491721115" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2087625672491721115"></div><p>Get ready for one of the most spectacular displays of the cosmos visible on earth - a total solar eclipse! Totality will only cover a small portion of the globe, however, while many others will see a partial solar eclipse.<br><br>A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and earth, casting a shadow on the Earth's surface. There's a small "hard shadow" where the total solar eclipse occurs, where the sun is completely obscured by the moon, leaving only the outer ring, or corona, of the sun visible. The larger "soft shadow" covers a larger portion of the globe, but only a section of the sun will be obscured. Even though both are eclipses, the experience in the path of totality is completely different than in the partial zone. Totality ushers in darkness and massive changes, including temperature drops, changes in animal behavior, and more. If you have the chance to see a total solar eclipse, it is highly recommended you take advantage of the opportunity.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124538-1786128790332.png"></p><h1>Path of Totality</h1><p>People in parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and an incredibly small piece of Portugal, will be able to experience totality if skies are clear enough. The eclipse will begin in the arctic circle before dropping south to cruise over the North Atlantic and eventually western Europe.<br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124037-1786128740977.png"><br>Western Iceland, including Reykjavik, will get to experience totality for a about 60 seconds in the late afternoon on Wednesday, August 12th. This will occur around 5:45 - 5:50 GMT from north to south.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-07 13-00-09-1786129629600.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Some lucky folks in Spain will have nearly two minutes of totality (toward the middle of the path), while folks closer to the outside of the path will only get about 20-30 seconds of magic. The sun will be approaching the western horizon, or sunset, as totality occurs, making for a truly incredible sight. Totality begins on the northern coast around 8:26 pm local time (CEST) and will end as it moves south of Mallorca in the Mediterranean around 8:33 pm.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-07 13-00-28-1786129642319.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Partial Solar Eclipse</h1><p>In the United States, only a partial eclipse will be visible and only for a portion of the country. A partial eclipse will be visible in the early afternoon, peaking around 2:00 pm ET, from portions of Montana to eastern North Carolina. Only a small sliver of the sun will be obscured for many, with about a fifth of the sun obscured in northern New England, mostly in Maine. All of Alaska (expect the far western Aleutians) will experience a partial solar eclipse as well. Southern Alaska will see a quarter of the sun obscured, peaking around 8:15 - 8:30 am Alaskan Daylight Time, while northern Alaska will see about half of the sun covered by the moon.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124624-1786128804207.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124629-1786131371992.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 103029-1786206678322.png"></p><h1>Next Total Solar Eclipse in the U.S.</h1><p>A total solar eclipse will cover portions of the United States in 2044, mostly moving through Canada, but parts of western North Dakota and Montana will get a view. In 2045, a large section of the United States will be able to experience a total solar eclipse. The path of totality runs from Northern California through Salt Lake City and Denver, before moving across the South from Little Rock to Miami, FL. It's never too early to make plans...</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124638-1786131683080.png"></p><h2><strong>NASA's Research:</strong></h2><p>Through this eclipse, NASA will have multiple scientific experiments on-going related to the eclipse to help us better understand these celestial events. We spoke with NASA to learn more.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EyvkXNZBrYk" start="0"></iframe></div>

Tracey Anthony

What to Know About the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th

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Alana Cameron was born and raised in Canada in the city of Mississauga, just outside of Toronto. Alana is the oldest of 4 siblings, all close in age, and grew up playing outside with them in all types of weather. After graduating high school, Alana moved to study at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna for a year before transferring to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Atmospheric Science. Upon completion, Alana moved back to Toronto where she completed a post-grad degree in Meteorology at York University. After her post-grad, she went on to complete another post-grad in Broadcast Journalism - TV News at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. During her final year of studies she had the privilege of interning with the best in the business in Canada at The Weather Network. Once she finished her internship, she got the call from small-town Denison, Texas where she accepted a job as an on-air meteorologist at KTEN-TV, right in tornado alley, covering severe weather from Sherman/Denison (North Texas) to Ada (Southern Oklahoma). After the most active tornado season Oklahoma had seen in May 2019 (105 tornadoes!) Alana is excited to join WeatherNation to cover weather all across the nation. If you're interested in following her on social media she can be found @alanacameronwx!

Alana Cameron

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<p><strong>HIGH PLAINS</strong> - Tuesday proved to be an incredibly active day across the Central and High Plains. Storms in these parts had updrafts that exceeded 100 mph! Therefore, we were seeing hailstones that were 4.5" in diameter! That's about the size of a grapefruit. Once again, strong storms fired up Wednesday afternoon, bringing large hail and damaging winds. Wind gusts reached over 70 mph for portions of Iowa.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/plains winds-1786581631787.png"></p><h2>Overnight</h2><p>The severe threat will continue through Thursday morning. The threats we'll be tracking out here will be very similar to yesterday: damaging winds and some hail.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-12 200422-1786586713559.png"></p><p>Some storms will hold together into the overnight hours. Expect more rounds of rain and storms again on Thursday!</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/paisnsss-1786581513163.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Rainfall totals</h1><p></p><p>Not only will severe weather be a threat, but heavy rainfall will be embedded in some of these storms. Our model data shows some areas through South Dakota and Iowa receiving upwards of 4 inches of rain through Friday!</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/forecast rianfll through friday-1786581841657.png"></h1><p>Be sure to join us on WeatherNation for this story during:30 past the hour on your Central Regional Forecast.</p>

Repeated Severe Threat for the High Plains

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<em>"It was nerve racking, it jolted me. I was kind-of shocked for a second. The umbrella flew out of my hand and I was kind-of disoriented and ran to my car and just tried to get out of harms way,"</em> recounts Romulus McNeill after he found himself way too close to a cloud-to-ground lightning strike.

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WeatherNation Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo spoke with Romulus about this video, showing an incredibly-close lightning strike that occurred on Thursday.

<em>"We were having a teacher-parent conference night for back to school and it was 6:42 p.m. and every one had already left the building. I had reservations about going</em>
<em>outside because I didn't want to get struck by lightning. And when I went outside, it just struck. And it was just kind-of shocking. It was nerve racking, it jolted me.</em>
<em>I was kind-of shocked for a second. The umbrella flew out of my hand and I was kind-of disoriented and ran to my car and just tried to get out of harms way,"</em> describes Romulus.

Cloud-to-ground lightning strikes happen in an instant. Lightning can strike miles from the base or top of a thunderstorm cloud. Always remember, 'When Thunder Roars, Head Indoors.'

Romulus continues his experience,<em> "I felt like a static shock to my body. Like I said it hit on my right side and it was so quick, I just instantly got nervous and nerve racked. My principal said he</em>
<em>watched it through the inside of the building. He saw it from inside the building. It was thunder and lightning at the same time. What was crazy was that I saw the</em>
<em>lightning strike in front of me across the street by a store, but the lightning actually...I guess may have diverted or it could have been another lightning strike that</em>
<em>came right towards me."</em>

In terms of advice for folks reading/watching this story?

<em>"I'm going to be super careful about going outside in any lightning period...or thunder!"</em>

Our appreciation to Romulus for allowing us to share this weather story to help others truly understand the dangers of lightning!

For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Steve Glazier

Man Describes His Close Encounter With A Lightning Strike

Lala Impacting Hawaii with Damaging Winds, Flooding

Lala continues to trace the Southern coastlin

Flooding Risk Lingers for Another Day

The Midwest can't catch a break. After a dama

Heat Returning to the Desert This Week

The last few days Mother Nature has turned do

Cold Front Brings Severe Storms Back to the Midwest

Last week several rounds of storms moved thro

Stifling Heat Slides East This Week

A ridge of high pressure continues to dominat

What to Know About the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th

Get ready for one of the most spectacular dis

Repeated Severe Threat for the High Plains

HIGH PLAINS - Tuesday proved to be an incredi