North Platte, Neb. – A flood watch is in effect across much of central and southwest Nebraska tonight as slow-moving thunderstorms threaten to dump up to 4 inches of rain, prompting flash flood concerns in cities like North Platte, Kearney, and Lexington.
According to the National Weather Service in North Platte and Hastings, the flood watch begins at 7 p.m. CDT Monday and runs through late tonight. A slow-developing line of storms is expected to produce intense downpours over Custer, Lincoln, Valley, Greeley, Sherman, Buffalo, and Dawson counties.
Urban flooding, poor drainage issues, and rising creeks and streams are all possible. Officials warn drivers to avoid water-covered roads and for residents in low-lying areas to have a plan in case of rapid water rise. Key areas of concern include Highway 30, rural roads near Broken Bow, and low-lying areas near the Platte River.
The area at greatest risk stretches from Lexington to Greeley, where storms may repeatedly train over the same region. This event could be the heaviest rainfall some areas have seen since early spring.
More flood alerts may follow overnight. Residents should monitor weather updates and stay alert through early Tuesday.
