Severe Storms & Heavy Rain Target the Plains

news image
Special Stories
29 Aug 2020 11:06 AM
Several frontal systems are expected to move across the Plains over the weekend and early next week. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop at times along these frontal boundaries and, combined with warm surface temperatures and moderate wind shear, could produce damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. A complex of storms produced damaging wind gusts early Saturday across portions of Kansas and Missouri. Some gusts topped 70 mph.

Saturday

The first of several frontal systems is expected to continue to tap into deep moisture pulled north from the Gulf of Mexico, producing heavy rain across portions of Oklahoma and Missouri, but Northern Arkansas is expected to see the heaviest accumulations into early next week, leading to the potential for flash flooding. Severe thunderstorms will be possible in the same area, as well as across much of the Southern Plains and east of the Rockies. Two areas (in the yellow regions) have a better chance to see severe thunderstorms on Saturday, according to the Storm Prediction Center, with the primary threat being damaging wind gusts and large hail. Isolated tornadoes are also possible, mainly for the regions below in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. The follow images show simulated radar for the aforementioned region to show the potential timing and extent of thunderstorm coverage. Most locations will experience the greatest threat for severe storms during peak heating hours, but some locations like Arkansas and Oklahoma, will have potential for storms to persist overnight.

Sunday & Monday

Another cold front moves into the Central and Northern Plains on Sunday while the stationary front draped across the Southern Plains will continue to produce showers and storms near its boundary. A slight risk, category 2 out of 5, has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center for Sunday from Central Kansas into South Dakota. Isolated severe storms are possible for the regions in green. The cold front pushing across the Central and Northern Plains will likely create more numerous storms and potentially stronger thunderstorms by the middle to late afternoon hours, while isolated storms are expected along the stationary front to the south. As the new frontal system stalls across the Southern Pains and Deep South on Monday, additional strong to severe storms and heavy rain will be possible for a large area stretching from Southeastern New Mexico to Western Alabama. This story will be updated as new data becomes available. Warnings are always scrolling at the bottom of our broadcasts and live streams.
All Weather News
More
I-95 Corridor Under Severe Risk Through Tuesday

I-95 Corridor Under Severe Risk Through Tuesday

Devastating storms ripped through the heartla

22 Jun 2026 11:35 PM
Flash Flood Threat Persists This Week

Flash Flood Threat Persists This Week

WHAT TO EXPECTNew rounds of rainfall are expe

22 Jun 2026 11:20 PM
Heat Returns to the West

Heat Returns to the West

This week, an upper level ridge takes over pa

22 Jun 2026 6:35 PM
Illinois Smashes Yearly Tornado Record in 2026

Illinois Smashes Yearly Tornado Record in 2026

We're only half way through 2026 and Illinois

22 Jun 2026 3:49 PM
Active Week Ahead For The Plains

Active Week Ahead For The Plains

Storms fired up across the plains, and a seve

22 Jun 2026 10:40 AM
Summer Solstice Kicks Off Father's Day Sunday

Summer Solstice Kicks Off Father's Day Sunday

Fathers across the country will have to share

21 Jun 2026 5:20 PM
Flood Risk Continues This Weekend for the Gulf Coast States

Flood Risk Continues This Weekend for the Gulf Coast States

Numerous flash flood warnings were issued as

21 Jun 2026 1:15 PM