North Platte, Nebraska – Severe thunderstorms capable of spawning tornadoes will threaten much of western Nebraska through 8 p.m. MDT Sunday, with 17 counties now under a tornado watch.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the tornado watch includes Arthur, Chase, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Keith, and Red Willow counties, among others. The watch was issued at 2 p.m. MDT and covers a wide swath of the Panhandle and southwest regions, where atmospheric conditions are primed for rotating storms.
Communities along I-80, including Kimball and Ogallala, should prepare for rapid weather changes, with possible tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts topping 70 mph. Residents in rural areas are especially urged to monitor weather alerts, have a shelter plan, and avoid unnecessary travel.
This system arrives amid rising afternoon temperatures and increasing humidity, creating a volatile mix similar to May 2021’s severe weather outbreak in the region. Power outages and road closures could follow if storms intensify.
The tornado watch remains in effect until 8 p.m., with updates and potential warnings expected throughout the evening. Stay tuned to local emergency channels and NOAA Weather Radio.
