North Platte, Neb. – A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10 p.m. MDT Friday across western Nebraska, with damaging winds and large hail possible in 13 counties, including Keith, Cherry, and Lincoln.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 467 was issued at 2:35 p.m. MDT. The watch includes Arthur, Garden, Grant, Hooker, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Sheridan, and Thomas counties. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon and evening could produce wind gusts over 60 mph and hail up to the size of quarters.
Communities along U.S. Highway 83 and Interstate 80—including Ogallala, North Platte, and Thedford—should stay alert for fast-moving storms through the evening. Power outages and downed branches are possible, especially in rural and open areas. Outdoor plans should be postponed, and residents are advised to secure loose items, move vehicles under cover, and monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts.
This is the first widespread severe weather threat to impact western Nebraska since early June, when similar storms damaged farm equipment and power lines in Perkins County.
The watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. MDT. Additional warnings may be issued as storms intensify and move eastward into the central Sandhills.
