As we venture into the second half of April, a new storm system will be springing up across parts of the Rockies, Plains, and Midwest this week.
Low pressure developing over the central Rockies and Plains, coupled with a cold blast from central Canada, will spell heavy snow and blustery winds later today into Thursday. The higher elevations of Montana, Wyoming, and even portions of Colorado will stand the best chance of seeing snow totals reach 8 to 16 inches in some areas. The valleys along the Rocky Mountains will see a mix of rain and snow, which will help lower snowfall totals through Thursday.
Winter Storm Watches and Warnings, and Winter Weather Advisories can be found across western and southern Montana into central and southern Wyoming.
To complicate things further, the warm air being funneled into the system from the south will prompt the chance for strong and maybe even severe thunderstorms across portions of the central Plains and Mississippi Valley. Cities such as Omaha and Lincoln, Neb., as well as Kansas City, Mo., and Wichita, Kan., stand the best chance at seeing a gusty thunderstorm or two as well as small hail later today.
A better chance of severe weather will arrive on Thursday as this system begins to drag a cold front across the Mississippi Valley. As of right now, the Storm Prediction Center has a Slight Risk (a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather scale) in place for eastern Nebraska, Iowa, northern Missouri, and southern Minnesota. Omaha and Lincoln, Neb., will be in the bullseye once more, as well as Des Moines, Iowa. The main risk will be large, damaging hail, but an isolated tornado and damaging wind gusts cannot be ruled out either.
It's never too early to prepare for severe or threatening weather. Make sure to have an emergency kit packed with fresh batteries, bottled water, fresh blankets, and a solar-powered radio so that you can stay aware and safe in the event of a power outage.
Additionally, remember that a “watch” means that conditions are favorable for bad weather to occur, whereas a “warning” means that dangerous weather is imminent, and you need to act fast to protect life and property.
