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Severe Weather and Flooding Threats for the Central U.S.; Fire Weather Concerns for the Western U.S.

Severe weather and flooding threats will continue for portions of the central U.S. through Thursday, focused from the central High Plains to the Mid-Mississippi Valley. Hot and dry conditions will fuel fire weather concerns for the Intermountain West, and dry thunderstorms may spark additional wildfires. Dangerous heat will build across the southern U.S. Friday into the weekend. Read More >

Overview

An intense low pressure system moved across the Central Plains and into the Great Lakes on March 19th, bringing strong to severe thunderstorms, widespread heavy snow, and strong to damaging winds to much of the Midwest. The NWS Omaha coverage area experienced all of these hazards, with thunderstorms developing during the early morning hours, including one that produced quarter sized hail near Fort Calhoun, NE. The rain switched over to sleet through the morning and eventually heavy, wet snow, with thundersnow occurring for a few hours. In addition, 50-70+ mph wind gusts were observed with the falling snow, leading to near 0 visibility and widespread damage to trees and power lines, with numerous power outages across eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Many roads and highways were also closed throughout the event.

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