Severe weather will return to the central U.S. today and Wednesday as a new storm system takes shape.
 
An area of low pressure emerging from the Rockies into the Plains today will strengthen through Wednesday as it moves into the Midwest and Great Lakes. Ahead of this low pressure system, plenty of warm, humid air will be drawn northward. A cold front extending from the low will act as the focal point for explosive thunderstorm development today and Wednesday.
 
The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 of the severe weather probability scale, from central Texas to southeast Nebraska, southwestern Iowa, and northern Missouri for today. Within this area, a smaller Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the probability scale, is found across portions of central and northern Oklahoma into Kansas.
 
All modes of severe weather are likely today, including very large hail and strong, long-tracked tornadoes. Some cities at risk include Abilene, Texas, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Kan., Lincoln, Neb., and Kansas City, Mo.
 
As the low pressure system heads toward the western Great Lakes on Wednesday, its associated cold front will press farther south and east throughout the day. Thunderstorm activity may be ongoing Wednesday morning, but more intense thunderstorms are expected later Wednesday afternoon and evening.
 
An Enhanced Risk has already been issued from northern Texas and northern Louisiana through southern Michigan and western Ohio. This includes cities such as Shreveport, La., Little Rock, Ark., Memphis, Tenn., St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati. A Slight Risk surrounds this area and includes cities such as Dallas, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Cleveland.
 
Like today, all modes of severe weather will be possible on Wednesday, including very large hail and strong, long-tracked tornadoes.
 
Severe thunderstorms will remain possible on Thursday as the cold front remains stretched from the southern Plains into the Ohio Valley. A Slight Risk has been issued from northeastern Texas and southeastern Oklahoma into West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania.
 
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!”