Sterling, Colorado – Residents across northeast Colorado and the Nebraska Panhandle should brace for strong storms through Friday evening, with a Severe Thunderstorm Watch now active until 10 p.m. MDT.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch covers Logan, Weld, Yuma, and Phillips counties in Colorado, and stretches eastward to Scotts Bluff, Kimball, and Dawes counties in Nebraska. Forecasters warn that damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph and large hail are the main threats as clusters of storms develop and intensify through late afternoon and evening hours.
Drivers along I-76 and Highway 385 should watch for rapidly changing visibility, ponding on roads, and potential hail damage. Outdoor events and farming operations in counties like Sedgwick and Garden may need to pause plans until storms clear.
Residents are urged to shelter indoors during thunder, stay off roads if winds intensify, and secure loose outdoor items. Lightning will be widespread, even outside the heaviest storm cores.
Storms are expected to weaken after nightfall, but the watch will remain active until 10 p.m. in case isolated strong cells persist. Additional weather statements or warnings could follow if conditions worsen.
