Nebraska

Dangerous storm threat continues through Monday in Nebraska

Published

2 hours ago

May 16, 2026

Press Room

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – A significant severe weather threat continues to unfold across Nebraska, with the Storm Prediction Center placing Lincoln in the path of potentially scattered to numerous severe storms through early next week.

Two rounds of severe weather possible.(KOLN)

WATCH LIKELY BY 4 PM

Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop out in western Nebraska this afternoon and evening. Winds up to 80 mph and hail up to tennis ball size are the main concerns though isolated tornadoes are possible as well.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is likely by 4 PM in western areas.(KOLN)

Saturday Evening: Two Rounds of Storms

The first round of storms is possible late this afternoon, more likely this evening from the south. All severe weather hazards are on the table, including widely scattered strong tornadoes, damaging winds gusting up to if not above 75 mph and hail the size of limes to hen eggs or larger.

A second round of storms will move in late tonight from the west and continue into the overnight hours. While strong winds remain the primary concern, tornadoes and large hail are still possible.

Scattered to numerous severe storms possible.(KOLN)

Multiple rounds of severe storms possible.(KOLN)

Sunday: Tornado Risk Increases

A Weather Alert Day continues Sunday as the tornado threat escalates. The potential for strong tornadoes is rated high to very high across parts of central and northern Nebraska, especially in the northeastern portion of the state.

Increased tornado threat in northern areas.(KOLN)

Wind gusts up to 75 mph and lime to hen egg sized hail remain possible. Storms are expected to develop late afternoon, with the greatest threat throughout the evening and into the overnight hours.

Monday: Greatest Overall Risk

Monday presents the greatest overall risk once again. A Weather Alert Day is in effect as widely scattered strong to intense tornadoes are possible, along with wind gusts up to 75 mph and hail ranging from baseball to softball sized. The primary timing window is late afternoon through the evening hours.