The threat for severe weather is expected to span across all of the Plains this weekend, bringing along the threat for damaging wind gusts, large hail and flooding downpours.
The primary threat for severe weather on Saturday will span across portions of the southern Plains. Most of the severe weather is expected to hold off until the evening and overnight hours.
Storms will likely fire up across Nebraska initially before diving south and southeastward into Kansas, Oklahoma and possibly continuing into Texas Sunday morning.
"These thunderstorms will pose a hail, damaging wind and isolated tornado risk as they first ignite later in the afternoon. Damaging winds will become the primary threat overnight," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rathbun explained.
The threat for flash flooding will also be heightened during the overnight hours.
Cities included in the risk for severe storms from this event include Hays, Dodge City and Wichita, Kansas. It is possible that strong-to-severe thunderstorms could continue into Oklahoma City by early Sunday morning.
Areas farther east, including eastern Oklahoma, southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, will have flooding downpours in the absence of severe weather through Saturday.
On Saturday morning, a flood-related fatality was reported in Fort Smith, Arkansas, according to local emergency management. Later in the day, 15 homes and a dormitory on the University of Arkansas Fort Smith campus were flooded. The city received around 3.50 inches of rain in 6 hours, on top of 1.29 inches on Aug. 23 and 3.74 inches on Aug. 22.
A second area of strong, to possibly severe storms on Saturday will occur across the northern Plains. This activity will be limited to the late afternoon and evening hours before tapering off overnight.
Cities at risk for severe thunderstorms include Bismarck and Minot, North Dakota. These storms will also be capable of producing large hail, torrential downpours as well as winds capable of reaching an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 70 mph.
While there may still be a few gusty thunderstorms across the southern Plains Sunday morning, the primary threat for severe weather will set up across the northern Plains once again.
A potent wave of energy will track out of Canada into the northern Plains, providing the support needed for feisty thunderstorm development.
Areas at risk on Sunday include Bismarck and Fargo, North Dakota; as well as Aberdeen and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
"Travel along interstates 29, 90 and 94 could become difficult during the afternoon and evening hours." Rathbun added.
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Once again, these storms are expected to continue right into the overnight hours as they track eastward across the Plains.
As a reminder, when thunder roars, go indoors. Aside from large hail and damaging wind, these thunderstorms will be capable of producing deadly lightning strikes.
Thunderstorm complexes at night can also be especially dangerous. Some of these storms will be capable of producing rainfall rates in excess on 2 inches per hour, which can quickly lead to localized flash flooding. If you happen to see high water over area roadways, especially at night, remember to turn around, don't drown.
Thunderstorms should become sub-severe by early Monday morning as they approach the Minneapolis metro area. However, they can lead to a damp and slow morning commute and perhaps airline delays.
The threat for severe weather on Monday will shift into the Midwest and portions of the southern Plains. Cities at risk for severe weather will extend from Madison, Wisconsin, southwestward to Oklahoma City.
Download the free AccuWeather app to stay alert of tropical, severe weather and fog advisories. Keep checking back for updates on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
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