Omaha, Nebraska – Drivers along I-80 and I-29 could face large hail and sudden 60 mph wind gusts by late Thursday night, with a second, stronger round of storms threatening the Friday afternoon commute across eastern Nebraska.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, confidence is increasing that severe thunderstorms will develop late Thursday night and redevelop Friday afternoon and evening. Forecasters place the probability of severe storms Thursday night between 5% and 15%, with large hail as the primary concern. By Friday, that risk increases to between 15% and 30% across southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa.
The threat zone includes Douglas, Sarpy and Lancaster counties, with Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion and Lincoln all in line for potential impacts. Along I-680, US-75 and Highway 370, isolated storms may produce hail large enough to dent vehicles and damage roofs. Wind gusts approaching 60 mph could down tree limbs and create scattered power outages, especially in neighborhoods with older trees.
Friday’s storms may intensify between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., directly affecting peak travel on I-80, I-480 and Dodge Street. Brief heavy rainfall could reduce visibility below one mile and cause water to pool on low-lying roadways.
Residents with outdoor plans Friday should closely monitor updates and ensure weather alerts are enabled on mobile devices. Secure loose outdoor items and identify a sturdy shelter location in advance. Additional watches or warnings could be issued as early as Thursday afternoon if storm development trends upward.
