We have activated a Weather Authority Alert for Friday night as we track the potential for severe thunderstorms. Storm coverage will be scattered, but where storms do form, significant damaging winds, strong tornadoes, and large hail will be possible. The time frame for potential storms will be Friday 8PM – Saturday 3AM.

The Storm Prediction Center has much of our area included in a level 4/5 moderate risk for severe storms. Moderate risks are fairly rare…our last one was on May 26, 2024, when multiple tornadoes touched down in our area. 

Temperatures will surge above 80° Friday afternoon, helping fuel storms as a strong area of low pressure moves across the Midwest. Ahead of this system, we’ll have gusty south winds at 30-45 mph. Some wind gusts near 50 mph are possible this evening.

There had been some uncertainty over the past few days if we would have enough moisture to fuel storms, but the latest trends in the forecast bring higher dew points into our area, leading to increased instability for storms. 

There will potential for some higher-end severe weather impacts tonight. The latest severe impact probabilities from the Storm Prediction Center includes the potential for stronger and longer-track tornadoes, scattered hurricane-force damaging winds over 75 mph, and isolated hail over golf ball size. 

Be sure to be weather aware Friday evening. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings and alerts, including your WPSD Radar app and a NOAA weather radio. Know where to go if there is a warning that is issued. Take a moment to practice your family’s severe weather safety plan.