Severe Weather Outlook: Strong Storms Expected in Coastal Carolinas and Central Plains

Photo byNational Weather Service

Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued by NWS Storm Prediction Center

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK, has issued a Day 2 Convective Outlook for parts of the Coastal Carolinas and the Central to Northern Plains. Residents and local authorities should prepare for potential severe thunderstorms and associated hazards.

Weather Conditions and Potential Impacts

Wednesday Afternoon and Evening:

• Coastal Carolinas:
• • Storm Activity: Tropical Storm Debby may bring scattered strong thunderstorms to the Coastal Carolinas.
  • Primary Hazards: Persistent heavy rain and a low-end risk of tornadoes due to favorable low-level shear conditions. Dewpoints in the upper 70s F may create sufficient instability for severe cells within banded convection.
  • Areas Affected: Coastal regions of South Carolina and North Carolina, particularly areas north and east of the storm's center.
• Central and Northern Plains:
• • Storm Activity: Strong heating will lead to steep low-level lapse rates, resulting in an unstable and uncapped air mass near the cold front.
  • Primary Hazards: Locally strong wind gusts and marginal hail. High-based thunderstorms over southeastern Wyoming and north-central Colorado will persist into the evening, affecting southern Nebraska and northern Kansas.
  • Areas Affected: From eastern Wyoming and Colorado into parts of the Central Plains (Kansas and Nebraska) and extending into the Northern Plains (South Dakota).

Detailed Weather Synopsis

Synopsis: Moderate west/northwest winds aloft will influence the weather from the northern Rockies across the northern Plains and upper Mississippi Valley on Wednesday. An upper trough will drop southward toward the U.S./Canadian border into Thursday morning, bringing the strongest cooling aloft into Montana and North Dakota, with 40+ kt 500 mb winds reaching as far south as northern Nebraska and Iowa.

At the surface, a low-pressure system will stretch from the North Dakota/Minnesota border into central Nebraska and toward eastern Colorado/western Kansas through late afternoon. A surface high from the upper Great Lakes to the lower Missouri Valley will limit moisture return, although a narrow plume of 60s F dewpoints should develop ahead of the front across Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas, aiding destabilization.

Precautionary Actions

Residents should take the following precautions:

• Monitor Weather Updates: Stay informed with the latest weather forecasts and updates from the National Weather Service and local news.
• Prepare for Severe Weather: Secure loose objects, check emergency supplies, and have a plan in place in case of severe weather.
• Avoid Hazardous Areas: Be cautious of downed power lines, fallen trees, and flooding roads.

Spotter Information

SKYWARN spotter activation may be needed Monday evening. Spotters are encouraged to relay any information about observed severe weather to the National Weather Service.

Stay alert and prepared as this hazardous weather system moves through the region. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.