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Plains Brace For More Threatening Skies

August 14, 2017
UPDATED By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Chad Merrill
There is no sign of a weather pattern change today in the Central Plains. For the fifth straight day in a row, dangerous weather will blossom during prime heating hours.

A low pressure spinning in eastern Colorado with a cold front stretching from the low’s center into the Texas Panhandle will be the culprit for the fresh storm development. In addition, a dry line separating moist air from dry air in West Texas will also help to trigger thunderstorms. The heating of the day will be the final straw needed to help storms blossom by the drive home from work.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for the Central and Southern Plains, including Oklahoma City and Wichita, Kan.

Cities most at risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon include Wichita, Kan., Oklahoma City and Norman, Okla. Outside of these cities, Omaha, Neb., Kansas City, Mo., Dallas and Austin, Texas, will have to keep a close eye to the sky. Hail larger than golf balls and wind gusts exceeding 57 mph are the main storm threats.

In addition, dangerous weather is expected along the leading edge of a storm complex in eastern Texas and Louisiana. Gusty winds and large hail are expected as this complex slides through western Louisiana.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect from eastern Texas to central Louisiana, including Galveston, Texas, and Lake Charles, La.

The cold front and low pressure will continue to edge through the Central U.S. Saturday. Ahead of the front, new storm formation will occur from the Upper Midwest into the Texas Big Bend. Cities like St. Louis, Springfield, Mo., Little Rock, Ark., Dallas and San Antonio, Texas, will be in the ripe zone for gusty winds and hail.

Not to be outdone, showers and thunderstorms across the nation’s midsection will produce enough heavy rain to trigger flash flooding. Eastern Texas through the Mid-South and Missouri Valley stand the best chance at 1 to 3 inches in a short time today. Remember, if you approach a flooded roadway, it’s best to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Water lying on the roadway is typically deeper than what it appears.

Flash Flood Watches and Warnings continue in pockets across the Central and Southern Plains. Kansas City, Mo., Topeka, Kan., Houston, Austin and Waco, Texas, are included.

While the threat for severe thunderstorms diminish later in the holiday weekend, scattered thunderstorms will make an appearance each afternoon in the Plains. Due to already saturated ground from the recent uptick in storms, flash flooding will remain a threat through Memorial Day.