More Severe Weather, Including Tornadoes, Possible in the Plains Through Memorial Day

Brian Donegan
Published: May 30,2016
After a very active week of severe weather and flooding last week, more severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds, heavy downpours and tornadoes are possible in the Plains through Memorial Day.
(LATEST NEWS: 6 Dead, At Least 2 Missing as Flooding Soaks the Plains)

Severe Setup

The northern and southern branches of the jet stream will be interacting right through Memorial Day, with a series of disturbances riding along them and acting as a trigger for thunderstorms, some of which could reach severe limits.
In addition, a persistent south-southeasterly wind flow will draw in plenty of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, yielding another risk of heavy rain and flash flooding over the same areas that dealt with historic flooding last week.
(FORECAST: More Locally Heavy Rain for Flood-Weary Texas This Week)

Current Radar with Watches and Warnings

(MORE: View National Interactive Radar Map | Difference Between a Watch and a Warning)
Below is our latest forecast thinking on the timing and magnitude of the severe threats through Memorial Day.

Severe Weather Forecast

Memorial Day

• The greatest risk for severe weather Memorial Day is across much of the Plains states.
• Threats: Large hail and damaging wind gusts are the biggest concerns. An isolated tornado can't be ruled out.
• Cities: Amarillo | Rapid City | North Platte | Dodge City

Thunderstorm Forecast Monday

Sunday's Storm Reports

Flash flooding was reported in Amarillo, Texas, Sunday evening, on Texas Highway 468 near Amarillo International Airport after a thunderstorm dumped very heavy rainfall over the area.
Additionally, hail covered roadways in Briscoe, Texas, with hail also reported in other parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. There was also one report of a tornado briefly touching down near Elbert, Texas, Sunday evening.

Flooding was also reported in Baird, Texas Sunday night where severe water rescues were conducted and some homes were partially flooded.

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PHOTOS: Plains Severe Storms May 24-26, 2016