Nebraska Weather Friday: Severe Storms, Hail Threat Grows

Omaha, NE – Residents across eastern Nebraska should prepare for another round of potentially strong to severe thunderstorms Friday, with damaging winds and hail possible as storms move through during the evening and overnight hours.

According to the National Weather Service Omaha/Valley office, strong to severe storms are expected to develop along a front Friday evening before progressing across the area into early Saturday.

The Storm Prediction Center places a large portion of eastern and central Nebraska in a Level 2 of 5, or slight risk, for severe thunderstorms. The risk area includes communities around Norfolk, Columbus and Grand Island, while Omaha and Lincoln appear closer to the lower-risk zone shown on the forecast map.

Forecasters said damaging winds and hail will be the primary concerns from the strongest storms. The National Weather Service's threat-timing graphic shows the risk beginning to increase late Friday afternoon, becoming more significant through the evening and reaching its highest point around midnight.

The threat is then expected to gradually decrease during the early morning hours Saturday, although storms could linger until around 4 a.m.

People with outdoor plans Friday evening should closely monitor updated forecasts because storm timing and intensity can change as the system approaches. Residents are also encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, particularly overnight when people may be sleeping.

Anyone attending outdoor activities should know where to find sturdy shelter if severe weather develops.

Drivers should also be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions. Heavy downpours, strong winds and hail could reduce visibility and make nighttime travel hazardous as storms pass through eastern Nebraska.