Supercells Charge Eastern Colorado Plains with Strong Tornado Potential — SevereWX

Scattered thunderstorms are firing up across the eastern Colorado plains, with a few supercells expected to evolve by mid-to-late afternoon. The prime tornado corridor stretches west through south of Imperial, Nebraska, where a couple of strong tornadoes (EF2+) look increasingly possible into early evening.

A developing surface low amid deepening troughing is drawing in a warm elevated mixed layer east of the Rockies. Strong heating south of a heating boundary is mixing the boundary layer deeply, while higher moisture and instability (over 2000 J/kg CAPE) hold along the boundary's cooler side. Low-level convergence and warm advection should punch through lingering inhibition, sparking isolated supercells amid stout shear.

Expect large hail, damaging winds up to 70 mph, and tornado risks from these storms spreading into southwestern Nebraska and western Kansas. High-based storms from higher terrain will also push eastward, adding to scattered severe potential by 4-6 PM Moderate.

SPC Mesoscale Discussion 1212 pegs watch issuance at 80% probability through 4 PM CDT (3 PM Moderate). Check SPC's graphics for the latest.

Stay prepared: Monitor radar closely if in eastern CO, SW NE, or western KS. Have a severe weather plan, know your safe spot, and heed local warnings. Safe sheltering can save lives.