Gusty Thunderstorms Target the Great Lakes, Midwest

Threats for gusty thunderstorms take aim at portions of the Great Lakes and Midwest today.
 
A nearly stationary front stretches across the Great Lakes to the central Plains. A very warm and humid air mass is found south of this front, while a cooler and drier air mass resides north of this boundary.
 
As an upper-level disturbance moves over this front, severe thunderstorms are likely to develop this afternoon and evening from northeastern Kansas to southwestern Michigan. This is the area the government's Storm Prediction Center has highlighted with a Slight Risk.

Wind gusts of 55-65 mph, quarter-sized hail, and even a few tornadoes will be possible this afternoon and evening. Some cities at risk include Kansas City, Mo., Chicago, Milwaukee, and Grand Rapids, Mich.

Within this Slight Risk is an Enhanced Risk, that includes northeast Missouri, southeast Iowa, and central to northwest Illinois. Peoria, Ill., Burlington, Iowa, and Davenport, Iowa are within this 3 out of 5 severe weather risk. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted a heightened risk for tornadoes in the southern portion of this Enhanced. Severe wind gusts are likely with any established storms that form as well as some modest hail.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watches has been issued for the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, as well as portions of eastern New Mexico. Scattered severe wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail events up to 2 inches in diameter are possible.

Heavy rain will also be possible across portions of Nebraska, Iowa, northwestern Illinois, much of Oklahoma, portions of western Texas and a few areas in eastern New Mexico. A Flood Watch is in place across these areas. 
 
A few stronger thunderstorms will also be possible throughout the Plains to the Upper Midwest this afternoon and evening. Wind gusts in excess of 50 mph and small hail will be the primary threats from these thunderstorms.
 
On Saturday, stronger thunderstorms will be possible from the Great Lakes to the southern Rockies. In particular, portions of Michigan into northern Indiana and Ohio will be at the greatest risk as the Storm Prediction Center has already placed these area in a Slight Risk for Saturday.
 
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!"