Thunderstorms to bring downpours, gusty winds to central US beginning on Friday

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist

While many across the southern Plains have been enjoying dry, springlike weather over the past week or so, another round of wet and disruptive weather is on the horizon.

According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Babinski, a storm is expected to "roll out of the southwestern United States and into the Plains states late this week."

"This system will help to fuel multiple thunderstorms across Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas on Friday afternoon," he said.

While a severe weather outbreak is not expected, residents should still prepare for the possibility of flooding and damaging winds.

Outdoor furniture and other objects should be secured or brought inside, pets and livestock should be offered adequate shelter and plans may have to be rescheduled.

Due to the recently dry weather, dust storms could develop ahead of any thunderstorms across western Texas. If caught in a dust storm while driving, motorists should pull well off the road, turn off any driving lights and keep the car radio on until visibility improves.

These storms are expected to push eastward into south-central Kansas, central Oklahoma and central and eastern Texas for Saturday. Luckily, no widespread precipitation is expected to impact areas devastated by river flooding.

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"Some of the strongest storms will be capable of producing drenching rainfall, damaging wind gusts, hail and even a tornado through Saturday," Babinski warned.

Driving becomes increasingly dangerous during such storms, with heavy rain limiting visibility and increasing the chances of hydroplaning at highway speeds. Strong winds can blow debris onto the road such as branches and tumbleweeds, and can threaten to topple high-profile vehicles.

Anyone traveling on Friday and Saturday will need to keep an eye on their local radar and pay attention to watches and warnings. It may be beneficial to plan to run errands before and after storms move through your area.

Download the free AccuWeather app for your detailed local forecast as the week progresses.