Severe Weather Returns to the Plains Thursday

The threat for severe thunderstorms returns to the Plains for today (Thursday) into this weekend. Instability will build ahead of a storm system as jet stream energy moves into the region from the West. There is a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms (level 1 on a scale from 1 to 5) in central Nebraska and northwestern Kansas today (Thursday). Strong wind gusts, greater than 58 mph, and large hail, larger than a quarter, are the main threats. Storms will fire ahead of a surface trough in central Nebraska in the afternoon ahead of a weak upper level disturbance. The strongest storms will occur in the late afternoon and early evening. As storms moves eastward, intensity will diminish, especially after sunset. Areas of heavy rain and small hail will still be possible into the overnight. Check back with WeatherNation on-air and online for the latest severe weather updates.