Omaha Weather: Strong to Severe Storms Expected Friday A significant weather event is forecasted for Omaha and surrounding areas on Friday, with the potential for showers and strong to severe thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Meteorologists at KETV NewsWatch 7, Omaha’s Weather Leader, have issued updated forecasts highlighting the likelihood of severe weather, particularly along and east of the Missouri River. The Storm Prediction Center has elevated the risk for severe thunderstorms in central Iowa, with a slight to marginal risk extending to western Iowa, northwest Missouri, and far southeastern Nebraska. The severe weather threat is expected to intensify between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, with storms likely to form in the afternoon hours. The National Weather Service has warned that these storms could produce wind gusts up to 75 miles per hour, golf ball-sized hail, and isolated tornadoes. Localized flooding is also a possibility due to heavy rainfall. While Omaha itself is not under the same heightened risk as the Iowa side of the river, some areas within the metro region, particularly on the Iowa side, may experience the most severe conditions. The morning forecast for Friday shows cooler temperatures, with Omaha expected to be in the 30s to 40s, feeling like the 20s and 30s. Dry conditions are currently in place, but newer forecast models indicate an increasing chance of rain, with thunderstorms possible as early as 8 a.m. By midday, the probability of rain rises to 50%, and the likelihood of strong to severe storms grows significantly in the afternoon. KETV NewsWatch 7, led by Chief Meteorologist Bill Randby, emphasizes the importance of staying updated on the latest weather developments.#storm_prediction_center #omaha #ketv_newswatch_7 #bill_randby #sean_everson
