Alliance, Neb. – Strong storms packing hail and damaging winds are threatening the Nebraska Panhandle through Friday evening, prompting safety alerts across 15 counties.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 313 is active until 9 p.m. MDT for areas including Scotts Bluff, Cheyenne, Box Butte, and Kimball counties. The primary threats are hail up to 3 inches in diameter, gusts near 70 mph, and isolated tornado potential.
Towns like Alliance, Sidney, and Chadron could see quick-moving storms during the late afternoon and early evening. Officials warn that supercells may form rapidly, particularly along U.S. Routes 385 and 26, leading to road hazards and reduced visibility.
Residents should move vehicles to shelter, avoid driving under storm conditions, and remain indoors until warnings expire. Wind-driven hail may cause significant property and crop damage, especially in rural and agricultural areas.
The severe threat will likely diminish after dark, but storm activity may persist into the night. Emergency managers advise keeping weather radios on and mobile alerts enabled in case warnings are extended.
