Weather Watches and Active Alerts
Severe weather watches and warnings are in effect across multiple regions of the United States, with significant storm activity threatening the central Plains, the upper Great Lakes, and the Eastern Pacific.6
Plains and Great Lakes Storm Threat
Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of large to very large hail, damaging winds with potentially significant gusts, and perhaps a couple of tornadoes are expected Friday afternoon into night across portions of the central Plains into the upper Great Lakes.6 Thunderstorms with heavy to excessive rainfall may also produce flooding over a part of the Midwest.6
Nebraska Severe Thunderstorm Alert
The National Weather Service, the U.S. agency that issues official weather warnings and forecasts, issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning affecting Cherry County, Nebraska.4 This alert was among a series of official active alerts tracked across the region.4
Eastern Pacific Tropical Development
The National Hurricane Center, a U.S. center that issues tropical cyclone advisories, is currently issuing advisories for Tropical Storm Amanda in the Eastern Pacific, with marine warnings in effect.5 A trough of low pressure offshore of Central America is producing disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity, and environmental conditions appear conducive for development, with a tropical depression likely to form during the next several days while it moves slowly northward.5
How Official Warnings Reach the Public
Weather Radio All Hazards is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.6 Working with the Federal Communication Commission, the U.S. agency responsible for regulating communications, through its Emergency Alert System, Weather Radio serves as an all-hazards network providing comprehensive weather and emergency information.6 In conjunction with Federal, State, and Local Emergency Managers and other public officials, it also broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards.6
Live Tracking Tools
A live data feed from the National Weather Service containing official weather warnings, watches, and advisory statements for the United States is available for public access, helping residents stay informed of rapidly changing conditions.1 Live severe weather map services also track active tornado warnings, watches, and severe weather alerts with real-time updates across the country.8
Global Warning Infrastructure
The World Meteorological Organization, an international body whose members provide authoritative weather, water, and climate information, operates the Severe Weather Information Centre, which is one of the core components of the Framework in support of the Early Warnings for All Initiative, enhancing the availability of authoritative warnings and information related to extreme and potentially high-impact weather, water, and climate events.7
What to Watch Next
With active alerts spanning Nebraska and the broader central Plains, an emerging tropical system in the Eastern Pacific, and continuous broadcasts keeping residents informed, staying connected to official National Weather Service channels remains essential. Check the forecast for your city to make sure you have the latest watches and warnings for your area.