Omaha, NE – A severe weather threat is developing across eastern Nebraska Wednesday evening, with forecasters warning of large hail and damaging winds as the main hazards.
According to the National Weather Service Omaha/Valley office, thunderstorms are expected to develop late Wednesday, May 14, and persist into the overnight hours. The highest risk zone, categorized as Level 2 out of 5, includes Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding areas, where there’s a 40–70% chance of storms forming during peak evening hours.
Forecasters said individual storms have a 15–25% chance of becoming severe, bringing hail exceeding 1 inch in diameter and wind gusts above 60 mph. While the tornado risk remains low, residents should remain alert, particularly during nighttime hours when warnings may be missed.
The timing of the most severe impacts is expected between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. Thursday. Residents should secure outdoor items, charge electronic devices, and ensure multiple ways of receiving alerts—especially if asleep during peak activity.
This weather system follows a historically active spring storm pattern in the central U.S., with Nebraska experiencing several rounds of severe weather in recent weeks. Drivers are urged to avoid travel during active warnings and monitor real-time updates from local weather authorities.
