A scary weather alert has been issued for Nebraska, and people across the state are being urged to stay safe. Late Monday night, the National Weather Service warned that strong thunderstorms and flash floods could hit several areas, putting lives and property at serious risk. With heavy rain, damaging winds, and the chance of tornadoes, experts say the weather tonight could turn extremely dangerous — especially in low-lying and rural areas.
What’s Happening in Nebraska?
Right now, large parts of central and western Nebraska are under a Flood Watch. The counties most at risk include Buffalo, Dawson, Sherman, Greeley, and Valley, where severe thunderstorms are expected to bring 2 to 4 inches of rain overnight. In some places, even more rain could fall in just a few hours — fast enough to cause sudden flash flooding that can wash out roads or trap drivers and families in their homes.
Dangerous Conditions: What You Should Know
Here’s why people in Nebraska need to take this seriously:
-
Flash Flooding: Storms are moving slowly, so the same areas may get hit by hours of rain. That could cause water levels to rise quickly, flooding roads, homes, and farms.
-
Damaging Winds: Gusts up to 70 mph could knock down trees, power lines, and even damage buildings. This type of wind can be especially dangerous in rural areas.
-
Large Hail: Some storms could drop hail the size of golf balls. That’s big enough to break windows, damage cars, and hurt people caught outside.
-
Tornado Risk: While not guaranteed, forecasters say there’s also a chance of isolated tornadoes, especially as the storm system continues to build strength.
What Locals Are Doing to Stay Safe
People in Nebraska aren’t taking any chances. Local authorities have urged residents to:
-
Stay inside once storms begin and avoid travel unless it’s an emergency.
-
Charge phones and flashlights in case of power outages.
-
Keep an emergency kit ready with bottled water, medicine, dry food, and important documents.
-
Avoid driving through flooded roads, even if the water looks shallow — it only takes a few inches to sweep a car away.
When Will It End?
The storms are expected to continue overnight and into early Tuesday morning. But even after the worst has passed, experts warn that lingering rain and soggy soil could still lead to more flooding or road damage for the rest of the week.
Cooler weather will follow, with highs dropping into the 60s and lows in the 40s — but the danger isn’t over just yet.
Final Words for Nebraska Residents
If you live in one of the affected areas, don’t wait to prepare. Weather like this can turn deadly in minutes. Stay connected with your local news, check alerts from the National Weather Service, and most importantly — look out for each other.