Severe Storms to Shift Eastward into Upper Midwest on Saturday

By Brett Rathbun, AccuWeather.com Meteorologist

June 6,2015; 11:09PM,EDT

 

As a disturbance pushes eastward, the threat for strong thunderstorms will spread eastward across the Upper Midwest to begin the weekend.
Thunderstorms became strong across the Front Range and western Kansas on Friday and several tornadoes were reported.
According to AccuWeather meteorologist Ed Vallee, "A warm, muggy air mass will be in place from Colorado to southeastern North Dakota, and this environment will be conducive for severe thunderstorm development."

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Locations within the risk for strong storms include Omaha, Lincoln and North Platte, Nebraska; Sioux Falls and Aberdeen, South Dakota; Grand Forks and Fargo, North Dakota; and Des Moines and Davenport, Iowa.
Any developing thunderstorm will have the potential to produce large hail, damaging winds and heavy downpours. An isolated tornado is also possible, especially from northeastern Colorado into western Iowa.
According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Michael Doll, "Flooding is an increasing concern across the Plains."

"Parts of Kansas and Nebraska have received over 4 inches of rain since Thursday. The ground is already saturated and some creeks and rivers are at or above flood stage," Doll added.
Showers and thunderstorms will continue, however, around the Denver Metro area, but are expected to be below severe criteria. Due to the heavy rainfall over the past few days, any additional thunderstorms could lead to flash flooding.
Thunderstorms will shift into Minneapolis into Saturday night, however, storms are expected to weaken below severe limits due to the lack of sunlight. Storms could still produce heavy rainfall and lightning.
Use AccuWeather Minutecast® to track and monitor rain start and end times by entering your town or street address.
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Travel will become dangerous at times across interstates 80, 90, 94, and 29.
Any thunderstorm that rolls though could put a damper on weekend activities such as the 41st Annual Summer Arts Festival in Omaha, Nebraska, or the Siouxland Renaissance Festival in Souix Falls, South Dakota.
If you see a flooded roadway ahead of you, turn around, don't drown! Only a few inches of rushing water can wash away vehicles.

The risk of severe thunderstorms will shift into portions of the Ohio and Missouri valleys on Sunday, including the cities of St. Louis, Chicago and Indianapolis.
Check back with AccuWeather for updates on the severe weather throughout the weekend.