Omaha, Nebraska – Damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph are pushing through southern Nebraska early Monday, posing a serious threat to travel and utilities across the region until 6 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha, a cluster of strong to severe thunderstorms is sweeping across southern Nebraska and northern Kansas, with the highest risk for damaging winds centered in the Hebron and Beatrice areas. The greatest threat lies within the darker red shaded region, but areas as far north as Lincoln could still experience strong gusts and brief hail.
The storms, which began intensifying just after 3 a.m., are producing wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph, heavy downpours, and hail up to the size of nickels. Highway 81 and U.S. Route 136 may see debris or downed limbs, making early morning travel hazardous.
Residents in southeast Nebraska should charge devices, secure outdoor objects, and avoid unnecessary travel until the system clears. While no tornado activity is expected, the intensity of straight-line winds could mimic tornado-like damage in isolated areas.
Warnings remain in effect through 6 a.m., with more updates possible if storms persist into mid-morning.
