Omaha, Nebraska – Strong thunderstorms could produce wind gusts up to 70 mph between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday, posing a travel hazard along Interstate 80 and Interstate 29 during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, a fast-moving arc of storms is expected to develop late this afternoon and sweep east across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. There is a 20 to 40 percent chance of thunderstorms, with a 5 to 10 percent chance that an individual storm becomes severe.
The primary threat will be damaging straight-line winds. Gusts could reach 60 to 70 mph in the strongest cells, capable of downing small tree limbs and causing isolated power outages. Interstate 80 through Omaha and Lincoln, along with Interstate 29 near Council Bluffs, may experience sudden visibility reductions and hazardous crosswinds.
No tornadoes are currently expected, and hail and flooding risks remain low. However, wind-driven storms could move quickly, leaving little time to react once warnings are issued.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor objects and ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially during the 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. window. High-profile vehicles traveling along I-80 and US-75 should use extra caution as gusty winds develop.
Storms are expected to exit the area later this evening, with quieter conditions returning overnight. Additional warnings may be issued if storms strengthen beyond current projections.
