Severe weather sets in the central and southern Plains on Friday, following strong thunderstorms and tornadoes that hit Texas on Thursday.
Like recent days, thunderstorms are predicted to develop in the afternoon and intensify as they move from west Texas and the Panhandle towards Central Texas later in the evening.
A Tornado Watch and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are in effect for parts of west and central Texas through the evening.
These storms will progress east overnight, reaching southeastern Texas by Friday night and early Saturday, potentially worsening flooding in already inundated areas due to days of heavy rain.
The main threats from these severe storms include large hail (golf ball-sized or larger), damaging winds, and heavy rainfall. While the tornado risk is lower compared to recent days, it remains a concern, particularly around Lubbock and Abilene.
The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded central Texas to a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather by mid-Friday morning.
Additionally, a cold front advancing into the western Plains on Friday will fuel severe storms across parts of western Kansas and southwestern Nebraska, with a Level 2 severe weather risk in these areas.
The threat level in West Texas will continue into Saturday, with Sunday currently forecasted to be a quieter day with only a Level 1 threat.
Looking ahead, there’s a growing concern for significant severe weather on Monday across the Plains, with central Kansas, including Wichita, under a Level 3 risk three days out. Omaha and Kansas City are under a Level 2 risk.
The trend of severe weather is expected to continue into the middle of next week across the Plains and Midwest.
