Alliance, NE – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Severe Thunderstorm Watch No. 588 for portions of western and north-central Nebraska, effective until 10 p.m. MDT on Wednesday. Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay alert and monitor rapidly changing weather conditions as severe storms are expected to develop throughout the afternoon and evening.
The watch includes Box Butte, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Dawes, Holt, Keya Paha, Rock, Sheridan, and Sioux counties. According to the NWS Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, storms developing along a cold front moving through the northern Plains may bring damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, large hail, and frequent lightning. Additionally, isolated tornadoes are possible as these storms intensify.
Issued at 2:45 p.m. MDT, the watch highlights the potential for quickly escalating weather conditions. Forecasters caution that the storms could rapidly increase in severity, so residents are advised to take precautions immediately. The primary threats will be strong winds, large hail, and frequent lightning, with localized damage such as downed tree limbs and power outages a concern.
Those in the watch area should secure outdoor objects that could be blown around in high winds and seek shelter indoors during storms. Additionally, it’s important to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, as conditions may change rapidly. Those traveling through the affected region should be prepared for sudden downpours, reduced visibility, and hail-covered roadways, which could make travel hazardous.
The NWS emphasizes that a watch indicates conditions are favorable for severe weather, but it does not mean that severe weather is currently happening. A warning would be issued if severe weather becomes imminent or is already occurring. The public is strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and take action if the situation escalates and a warning is issued later in the evening.
The severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. MDT. After this time, weather conditions will be reassessed, and further updates will be provided. Residents are urged to stay informed and be ready to take appropriate action to protect themselves and their property.
