Severe Thunderstorms Bring 60 mph Winds to Nebraska and Arizona
Active Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued
The National Weather Service has issued separate Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Cherry County, Nebraska, and Maricopa County, Arizona, with storms producing damaging winds up to 60 mph. [1] [2] These warnings highlight immediate hazards from radar-indicated severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts and hail. [1] [2] The alerts focus on potential damage to vehicles, roofs, siding, and trees in the affected areas. [1] [2] Separate warnings allow local authorities to address distinct storm movements and impacts in each region. [1] [2]
Nebraska Storm Details
In Nebraska, a severe thunderstorm near Ellsworth is moving southeast at 35 mph with 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail, threatening hail damage to vehicles and wind damage to roofs, siding and trees. [1] The storm was located near Ellsworth, or 32 miles east of Alliance, at the time of the warning. [1] Radar indicated the hazards, including quarter-size hail that could affect vehicles. [1] Locations in Nebraska include Ellsworth, Snow Lake, Watson Lake, Bingham, Diamond Lake, Dipping Vat Meadow, Wolf Hill, Finnegan Lake, Kincaid Lake, Kennedy Lake and Argo Hill. [1] These communities face risks from both the wind gusts and hail as the system advances southeast. [1] The warning emphasizes expected impacts to roofs, siding, and trees from the 60 mph winds. [1]
Arizona Storm Details
In Arizona, a nearly stationary severe thunderstorm over Tempe is producing 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail, with impacts to roofs, siding and trees expected until 7:15 p.m. MST. [2] The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued the warning for Maricopa County in south central Arizona. [2] At the time of issuance, the storm was located over Tempe and remained nearly stationary. [2] Radar indicated the 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail. [2] Arizona locations include Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa Riverview Mall, Tempe Marketplace and Papago Park. [2] The warning covers the period until 7:15 p.m. MST, during which damage to roofs, siding, and trees is anticipated. [2]
El Niño Preparations in New Zealand
New Zealand agencies are preparing for a strong El Niño this summer that is forecast to bring dry, windy conditions to most areas, elevated wildfire risk in dry regions, and increased rainfall in the western and lower South Island. [3] With El Niño officially declared, agencies across the country are readying for potentially severe weather outcomes. [3] The phenomenon is expected to produce dry and windy conditions for most areas while delivering more rainfall to the western and lower South Island. [3] In dry areas, the wildfire risk is likely to rise due to these conditions. [3] Officials are focusing on these seasonal patterns to mitigate effects on farms and other sectors. [3]
Tropical Storm Cristobal Update
Tropical Storm Cristobal is expected to dissipate this week according to the National Hurricane Center. [4] The system is forecast to weaken and end its lifecycle in the Atlantic basin during this period. [4] [5] This development follows ongoing monitoring by the National Hurricane Center. [4]
What to watch next includes continued agency preparations in New Zealand for the strong El Niño effects and the dissipation of Tropical Storm Cristobal this week.
