Omaha, Nebraska – Heavy rain and strong thunderstorms will sweep across Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Missouri this evening, posing an overnight flash flood threat and potential for large hail and damaging winds.
According to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center, a broad area from Omaha and Kansas City north to the Twin Cities and Milwaukee faces a “slight” to “marginal” risk for excessive rainfall through early Thursday. Severe thunderstorms could lead to scattered flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas and urban centers along I-80, I-35, and I-29.
Major cities like Omaha, Des Moines, Kansas City, and Milwaukee should prepare for heavy downpours between 8 p.m. Wednesday and 7 a.m. Thursday. Residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and to avoid driving through flooded roads. Large hail and damaging winds are also possible, especially in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.
Emergency management officials recommend charging electronic devices, securing outdoor items, and postponing non-essential travel overnight. This round of storms follows a wetter-than-average July for much of the Upper Midwest, increasing the risk for rapid runoff and localized flooding.
Rain and severe weather threats are expected to subside by late Thursday morning, but additional alerts may be issued if storm systems linger or redevelop.
