Severe storms packing the potential for tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts are moving across parts of western and central Nebraska Saturday evening, prompting a tornado watch that remains in effect until 11 p.m. CDT.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, several counties—including North Platte, Ogallala, Broken Bow, and Lexington—are under the watch as conditions become favorable for rotating thunderstorms. A couple of tornadoes are possible, with hail up to tennis ball size and wind gusts reaching 75 mph expected in the most intense cells.
Communities along I-80 and U.S. Highway 83 are urged to stay weather-aware, especially near Ogallala and North Platte where radar has indicated stronger storms building. Approximately 94,799 people, 152 schools, and 12 hospitals are within the watch zone.
Residents should move vehicles to shelter, secure outdoor items, and keep mobile alerts enabled. Emergency kits with flashlights and power banks are recommended in case of outages. Those in mobile homes or rural areas should have a safe shelter plan ready.
The tornado watch remains active through 11 p.m., with updates likely as storms evolve into the overnight hours.
