Big Storms, Flooding Rain Pepper Central U.S. Today

There will be no shortage of dangerous weather to wrap up the workweek, particularly for the central and southern Plains.

A Tornado Watch is in effect for the Texas and Oklahoma Pandhandles through northern and central Oklahoma, far southeastern Kansas, northwestern Arkansas, and far southwestern Missouri. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for western into southwestern Kansas. 

Potent thunderstorms will organize along the Colorado Rocky Front Range and far southeastern New Mexico and West Texas this evening before merging into one or more clusters during the overnight and predawn on Saturday across Kansas, Oklahoma, and west-central parts of the Lone Star State.

The biggest thunderstorm risks include hail larger than golf ball size and damaging gusts up to 70 mph. A few tornadoes will be possible in the most intense thunderstorms as well.

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has maintained an Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms from southeastern Colorado to far southwestern Kansas, the northern Texas Pandhandle, the Oklahoma panhandle into central Oklahoma, and west-central Texas. Lubbock and Plainview, Texas, and Liberal, Kan., are included.

Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla., Wichita, Kan., Joplin, Mo., and Little Rock, Ark., could experience a storm encounter this evening into tonight also.

Thunderstorms will be notable beyond the inherent severe weather hazards. Locally very heavy rainfall, often in a short time, could lead to flash and urban flooding particularly in low-lying or urban locations. One to 3 inches will be common, with locally higher totals up to 5 inches possible. Already, Flood Watches are in effect from southwestern Kansas into most of Oklahoma to northwest Arkansas in addition to new the New York State-Pennsylvania border to southern New England. If you approach a roadway covered in water, remember a simple motto – “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
 
Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"