Peppy Storms to Target North-Central U.S. Today, Monday

Intense thunderstorms will pop across the north-central U.S. today and Monday.

A surface low pressure system will slowly move through the High Plains today. With a very moist environment, warm temperatures and plenty of instability, peppy severe thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening. As such, the government's Storm Prediction Center has placed an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, across portions of eastern Montana, far northeastern Wyoming, northwestern South Dakota and southwestern North Dakota. This includes cities such as Miles City, Mont., Glendive and Billings, Mont., And Spearfish and Belle Fourche, S.D. 

The main threat concerns will be hail larger than golf balls and wind gusts exceeding 75 mph. Tornadoes cannot be ruled out as well.  

Encompassing this Enhanced Risk is a Slight Risk, stretching from central Montana to western and central South Dakota, western and central Nebraska, far northeastern Colorado and far eastern Wyoming, including Billings, Mont., Rapid City, S.D., North Platte and McCook, Neb., Colby, Kan., and Gillette and Sheridan, Wyo. Here, hail larger than quarters and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph are expected. Tornadoes may occur as well.

As this low pressure system continues to track east, a similar setup is anticipated on Monday for portions of the Upper Plains and Midwest. Strong winds aloft, a humid environment and plenty of instability will all contribute to the severe weather threat. The government's Storm Prediction Center has placed an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, across central and southern Minnesota and far eastern South Dakota, including Minneapolis and Bloomington, Minn. Hail larger than golf balls, wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and tornadoes will all be possible here. 

A Slight Risk has also been issued for central Minnesota, northwestern Wisconsin, northwestern Iowa, southern and eastern South Dakota and northern Nebraska, including Sioux Falls, S.D., Sioux City, Iowa, Norfolk, Neb., Rochester and Duluth, Minn., and Eau Claire, Wis. Hail larger than quarters, wind gusts exceed 60 mph and tornadoes will all be possible.

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!"