The end of the week could be stormy for portions of tornado alley beginning Thursday and continuing into Friday. Here's what you need to know to be prepared for the upcoming severe weather threats.

Thunderstorms are expected to become a weather threat this afternoon across the Great Plains extending from the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles northward into Kansas and Nebraska. The most likely time frame will be during the late afternoon into the early evening. As thunderstorms develop, damaging winds will be the primary hazard, but there will also be the potential for large hail and isolated tornadoes. Later in the evening, thunderstorms will evolve into a line and move eastward, producing a primarily damaging wind risk. 

SPC Convective Outlook for Thursday

The severe weather risk will shift south and east on Friday. While thunderstorms from overnight may be ongoing Friday morning, additional storm development is expected Friday afternoon. Once again, damaging winds will be the primary concern, but some isolated instances of large hail and tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Going into the evening, thunderstorms will form a line and move eastward. These storms will likely continue moving into the Lower to Mid Mississippi Valley during the overnight hours Saturday morning.

SPC Convective Outlook for Friday

Staying aware of changing weather through tomorrow will be especially important. If you have outdoor plans, now is the time to make alternate plans. You can prepare by ensuring that you have means of receiving weather alerts, such as the Weather Radio app for iOS and Android. Another risk for severe weather is possible into the weekend. WeatherOps will continue to monitor this potential.

If you are interested in learning more about the spring severe weather outlook, check out our recent webinar and learn how to reduce your exposure to weather risks such as these.