Grand Island, Neb. – Strong to severe thunderstorms could slam central and western Nebraska through 11 p.m. Tuesday, with hail up to 1.5 inches and damaging winds gusting over 70 mph expected across at least 45 counties.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for much of the state—including Hall, Buffalo, Custer, Dawson, Lincoln, Cherry, and Knox counties. The alert warns of “scattered large hail and isolated wind gusts to 70 mph” developing into the evening.
Communities from North Platte to O’Neill and McCook to Valentine are at risk for rapid storm development that could cause tree damage, downed power lines, and isolated power outages. Travel on I-80, US-83, and other major routes could become hazardous as strong wind-driven rain lowers visibility.
Residents are urged to stay indoors during any warnings, secure outdoor objects, and charge phones and medical devices in case of outages. Lightning and brief tornado spin-ups are not ruled out with embedded supercells.
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains active until 11 p.m., and more advisories could be issued as storms track east overnight.
