Hastings, NE – Residents across Nebraska should prepare for severe storms tonight, with the highest risk window expected between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Hastings.
According to NWS forecasters, damaging winds and hail are the primary threats as storms develop this evening and move across the region. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 miles per hour, and hail may be as large as one inch in diameter, roughly the size of quarters.
The severe weather outlook places most of eastern Nebraska in a “marginal” risk zone, with the strongest activity likely late in the evening. Meteorologists note the tornado risk remains low, around 2 percent, but advise residents not to let their guard down.
Communities near Interstate 80, including Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, and York, may see the greatest impacts during the evening commute and into the early morning hours. Those traveling overnight should use caution, as rapidly changing conditions could make roads hazardous.
The NWS encourages Nebraskans to stay weather-aware by monitoring alerts and having multiple ways to receive warnings. Power outages and minor property damage are possible in areas where the strongest winds occur.
