Severe Weather Threatens Parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa
A series of severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes are sweeping through parts of northeastern Nebraska, southeastern South Dakota, and northwest Iowa. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple warnings and watches to alert residents about the dangerous conditions.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued Across the Region
The NWS in Omaha has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for several areas including Northwestern Madison County, Western Pierce County, Central Antelope County, and other regions in northeastern Nebraska. These storms are moving east at 25 mph and could bring two-inch hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph. Residents near Neligh can expect these conditions around 5:10 PM CDT.
Another warning was issued for Western Pierce County, Northern Antelope County, and Southwestern Knox County. At 4:31 PM CDT, a storm was located 4 miles north of Clearwater, moving northeast at 25 mph. This storm could bring 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail, which may cause damage to vehicles and structures.
The Storm Prediction Center has also issued a Tornado Watch for all of NE Nebraska, Clay and Union counties in SE South Dakota, and several counties in NW Iowa. The primary threats include possible tornadoes, damaging winds up to 80 mph, and large hail.
Impact on Siouxland and Surrounding Areas
After heavy storms rolled through Siouxland on Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, another round of potentially severe weather is expected on Thursday afternoon. Much of the region is under an Enhanced Risk (3/5) for severe weather, including the entire Sioux City metro area and surrounding communities such as Wayne, Orange City, Le Mars, Ida Grove, Sac City, and Vermillion.
The primary threats include wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, hail up to 2 inches in diameter, and isolated tornadoes. Frequent lightning and heavy rain are also expected with these storms.
A Flood Watch has been issued for several counties in NE Nebraska and NW Iowa, including Pierce, Madison, Stanton, Cuming, Burt, Thurston, Wayne, Dakota, Dixon, and Cedar. Flash flooding is likely as multiple rounds of storms move through the area.
Multiple Warnings and Watches in Effect
Additional Severe Thunderstorm Warnings have been issued for various locations across the region. In western Dakota County, Dixon County, and southern Clay County, storms are moving east at 30 mph and could bring 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail. These storms will affect areas like Vermillion, Allen, Newcastle, and Ponca.
In northern Wayne County, northern Pierce County, and southeastern Knox County, storms are moving east at 35 mph, bringing similar conditions. Locations like Hartington, Randolph, and Coleridge will be affected.
Other warnings cover northwestern Lincoln County in South Dakota, Yankton County, and parts of Nebraska. These storms are moving southeast at 40 mph and could impact areas such as Salem, Emery, Winfred, and Canistota.
Safety Recommendations
Residents are urged to take immediate precautions. If outdoors, seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, such as a radio, smartphone app, or local news outlet.
Severe Thunderstorm Watches are in effect until 1 AM Thursday morning for several counties in South Dakota and Nebraska. Scattered damaging winds and hail up to 2 inches are possible as the storms move through the overnight hours.
Continued Weather Monitoring
As more storms are expected throughout the week, it’s important to stay informed. Additional warnings may be issued if conditions change. For real-time updates, visit the KCAU 9 weather page or follow local news sources.
If you witness severe weather or storm damage, consider sending photos to local news outlets. Stay tuned to reliable weather teams for the latest information as the situation develops.
