Scottsbluff, Nebraska – Western Nebraska is on alert as a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, with storms threatening the Panhandle into the evening.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Banner, Cheyenne, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, and Morrill counties are all included in the watch. The main threats are damaging wind gusts reaching 60 mph and hail potentially up to quarter size, with storms likely developing after mid-afternoon and intensifying toward early evening.
Areas along Interstate 80 and Highways 26 and 385, including Kimball and Sidney, should prepare for sudden severe weather, downed trees, scattered power outages, and fast-changing road conditions. Emergency management officials urge residents to move indoors as storms approach, secure outdoor items, and avoid unnecessary driving from late afternoon into the evening.
Power crews and local authorities are on alert for rapid response. The storm threat should taper off after 9 p.m., but residents should watch for additional advisories if conditions change.
