The severe-weather season has begun across the Great Plains, and forecasters are predicting three more days of storms that could produce tornadoes and large hail.
Storms spread across the Plains on Thursday, pelting northwest Kansas and Nebraska with golf-ball-size hail into the evening hours. At least three tornadoes had been reported: one near Yoder, Wyo.; one near Akron, Colo.; and another near Bird City, Kan., Richard Bann, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said Thursday in a telephone interview.
More storms bringing hail and possible tornadoes are expected to develop on the eastern side of the Plains on Friday. A more widespread outbreak of dangerous weather remains possible by Saturday, spreading from Texas to Michigan. Cities such as Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Dallas could experience severe storms.
Here is what to expect and when it could happen.
The threat moves slightly east on Friday
A few tornadoes, some possibly becoming strong, could form on Friday across portions of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, including Kansas City. The storms are likely to occur in the afternoon and evening, with a chance of hail larger than a hen’s egg and possibly some damaging winds.
A few storms may also develop farther south in parts of Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma and northeast Texas.
A similar pattern is expected on Saturday
On Saturday, the risk becomes more widespread from Texas to Michigan, including Dallas and Milwaukee.
The greatest threat for strong tornadoes returns to the central and southern Plains, again including Oklahoma City and Kansas City. Hail ranging in size from golf balls to baseballs could fall and damaging winds would be possible.
The risk continues Sunday
The threat of severe thunderstorms will continue into Sunday, including areas from southeast Texas to western Illinois.
Storms will be slightly less likely to occur but there will still be some risk of some forming and even producing a couple of tornadoes, and generating quarter-size hail and damaging winds.
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