Hastings, Nebraska, is bracing for potentially dangerous conditions as thunderstorms move through the area, setting the stage for a stormy Labor Day weekend. Flash flooding remains a significant concern, especially for motorists traveling along Highway 6 and other low-lying areas where water levels can rise quickly.
The National Weather Service in Hastings has issued a Flood Watch that remains in effect through Sunday morning. Some storms could bring heavy rainfall totals exceeding 4 inches, with flash flooding likely in counties such as Adams, Buffalo, Clay, Fillmore, Franklin, Hall, Hamilton, Howard, Kearney, Merrick, Nance, Phelps, Polk, Sherman, Thayer, Valley, Webster, and York. Emergency managers are warning that rivers, creeks, and small streams may overflow their banks if the rainfall continues overnight, creating hazardous conditions for those on the roads.
Showers and thunderstorms will persist through Sunday, though the storm activity should begin to taper off by the evening. Labor Day itself looks cooler and more unsettled, with highs only reaching the upper 60s under mostly cloudy skies and spotty showers. Travelers returning home on Monday afternoon should expect slower driving conditions and possible ponding on roads due to the rain.
As September approaches, the biggest shift in weather will occur midweek when cooler Canadian air sweeps into Nebraska. This will bring a drop in overnight temperatures, with lows expected to dip into the 50s by Tuesday and Wednesday. Daytime highs will remain mild, topping out in the low to mid-70s later in the week.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert for flash flood warnings throughout the weekend, especially tonight and Sunday morning. Conditions are expected to improve by Monday evening, but the cool-down will make its presence known as the week progresses.
Here’s the five-day forecast for Hastings:
- Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms, high near 69°F, 60% chance of rain.
- Labor Day Monday: Cloudy with spotty showers, high near 69°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 74°F, low near 55°F.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a chance of thunderstorms early, high near 88°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 87°F, low around 60°F.
