Lincoln, Nebraska – Severe storms could slam into eastern Nebraska late Thursday, bringing the threat of large hail and damaging winds between 4 p.m. and 1 a.m. Friday. Cities like Hastings, Lincoln, and York are under a Level 2 risk, with potential for isolated power outages and travel disruptions.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, the strongest storms are likely to develop Thursday afternoon and continue into the overnight hours. The primary hazards include hail over 1 inch in diameter and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph. The most at-risk areas span from Grand Island eastward toward the Iowa border.
Hastings, Geneva, and Aurora fall squarely within the highest local risk zone. Outdoor events and evening commutes could be impacted. Residents are urged to secure loose items, charge devices, and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm window.
This threat marks one of the region’s more intense severe weather setups since mid-June, when strong winds downed trees across the Platte River Valley. Confidence in storm coverage and intensity is expected to improve with updated outlooks.
Warnings remain in effect from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday into early Friday, with updates likely as the system develops.
