Hastings, Nebraska – Nebraskans could face a volatile stretch of weather beginning Tuesday evening, with severe thunderstorms expected to sweep across the state between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. Wednesday, bringing damaging winds, large hail, and torrential rain.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, the highest local risk—labeled a Level 2 threat—will target northern and central Nebraska late Tuesday night. Wind gusts up to 70 mph, hail near the size of ping pong balls, and rainfall rates high enough to cause localized flooding are all on the table. Wednesday carries a marginal risk (Level 1), with scattered storms continuing overnight, but with slightly reduced intensity.
Communities including Grand Island, Kearney, York, and Columbus are in the enhanced threat zone Tuesday, especially during the evening commute and overnight hours. Interstate 80 travelers should remain alert for rapid changes in visibility and road conditions.
Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects, charge mobile devices, and monitor local alerts in case warnings are issued after dark. The strongest cells may hit when most people are asleep, so having weather radios or alerts enabled on smartphones is critical.
Storm chances persist into Wednesday night, and more updates are likely as details sharpen.
