Severe Storms Return to the Central U.S.

Severe thunderstorms are set to return to the southern Plains this afternoon and evening, with threats including very large hail and isolated tornadoes.
 
A fresh surge of warm and humid air will arrive over the southern Plains this afternoon. An upper-air disturbance diving southeastward from the Rockies will help lift this air, resulting in scattered strong to severe thunderstorms later this afternoon and evening.
 
The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk, a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, as well as a Slight Risk, a 2 out of 5, across portions of northern Texas and southern Oklahoma. This includes the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. 

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for southern Oklahoma and far northern Texas, including cities such as Ardmore and McAlester, Okla.
 
Additional rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms will develop across the central and southern Plains to kick off the holiday weekend on Friday. A large Marginal Risk, or a 1 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, is in place across northern and western Texas to western Arkansas and northward into Nebraska. A small Slight Risk is found across portions of northwestern Kansas, southwestern Nebraska, and extreme northeastern Colorado.
 
A few stronger thunderstorms will also be possible across portions of eastern Florida this afternoon and again Friday afternoon. With unseasonably cool air aloft, hail may be the main impacts from these thunderstorms, though isolated damaging winds will also be possible both days.

More isolated severe storms are also likely to manifest over parts of the central High Plains, far southwestern Montana, and the Chesapeake Bay today.
 
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!"