WASHINGTON — Severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds remained a threat across parts of the central United States on Saturday, with forecasters warning that hazardous weather could continue in several states through the weekend.
The U.S. National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center said an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms was in place for portions of eastern Colorado, western and central Kansas, and southern Nebraska on June 20. Forecasters said conditions were favorable for organized storms, including supercells capable of producing tornadoes, very large hail and wind gusts exceeding 75 mph in some locations.
“Severe thunderstorms are likely across portions of the central Plains vicinity this afternoon and evening,” the Storm Prediction Center said in its outlook, adding that tornadoes were among the hazards possible.
The latest threat follows several weeks of active severe weather across the Midwest and Plains. Meteorologists have reported repeated rounds of thunderstorms, tornadoes and damaging winds affecting communities from the central Plains to the Great Lakes and parts of the Northeast. Earlier this month, the National Weather Service received hundreds of severe-weather reports during one of the busiest periods of the year, according to weather officials.
In recent days, additional storm systems have prompted warnings across portions of the Midwest and Northeast. Forecasters said some of the same regions impacted by earlier tornadoes and damaging winds remained vulnerable to renewed severe weather outbreaks as atmospheric conditions continued to support thunderstorm development.
Weather officials also warned that heavy rainfall accompanying some storms could lead to localized flash flooding. Areas of the South and central United States have experienced repeated episodes of intense rainfall in recent weeks, with forecasters monitoring the potential for flooding alongside severe thunderstorms.
State and local emergency management agencies urged residents in affected areas to monitor forecasts and heed any watches or warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Officials advised people to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and to seek sturdy shelter if tornado warnings are issued.
As of Saturday afternoon, no comprehensive assessment of storm impacts from the latest outbreak was available, and details on any damage or injuries remained unclear. Forecasters said the severe-weather threat was expected to continue into the evening across parts of the central Plains before shifting eastward in subsequent days.
