OMAHA, Neb. – Residents across eastern and south-central Nebraska should be on alert early Saturday as a severe thunderstorm watch covers 30 counties, including Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, and Buffalo, until 8 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, storms capable of producing damaging winds over 60 mph, large hail, and frequent lightning are moving through the region overnight. The watch area stretches from the Omaha metro to Grand Island and down toward the Kansas border, with counties such as Cass, Saunders, Hall, and Thayer included.
Drivers on I-80 between Lincoln and Omaha and along U.S. Highway 30 through Columbus and Fremont should be prepared for sudden visibility loss from heavy rain. Power outages are possible if wind gusts down trees or power lines. Officials advise securing outdoor items, avoiding travel during the heaviest storms, and staying indoors away from windows during lightning.
The severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 8 a.m., but additional advisories could be issued if storms continue to develop through the morning.
