Hastings, NE – A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect across most of central Nebraska until 10 p.m. Sunday, with forecasters warning of strong winds, hail, and frequent lightning this evening.
According to the US National Weather Service in Hastings, storms are expected to first develop in western counties before gradually moving east through the night. The watch, issued Sunday afternoon, includes the majority of the forecast area, though Polk, York, Fillmore, Thayer, Jewell County in Kansas, and Mitchell County in Kansas are not officially covered.
Forecasters said scattered hail up to ping pong ball size is possible, along with isolated wind gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour. Lightning is also expected to be frequent in many of the storms.
Communities at risk include North Platte, Lexington, Grand Island, Hastings, McCook, Broken Bow, Holdrege, and Phillipsburg. In total, the National Weather Service estimates that more than 322,000 people, 322 schools, and 35 hospitals fall within the watch area.
Residents are urged to monitor weather updates closely and prepare to take shelter if warnings are issued later this evening. The weather service reminds residents that official warnings will be shared through local alerts and on weather.gov/hastings.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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