Severe Storms Possible Across Central Nebraska This Weekend

Thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds expected as weather system moves through the region.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dramatic, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, depicting a vast, open expanse of flat land under a turbulent, stormy sky filled with dark, ominous clouds. The small, indistinct forms of buildings or structures can be seen in the distance, dwarfed by the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment.An impending storm system threatens to unleash powerful thunderstorms across the rural plains of central Nebraska.Hastings Today

The National Weather Service in Hastings has warned that central Nebraska could see multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms this weekend and into early next week. An upper-level trough of low pressure and a series of weather disturbances are expected to bring chances of precipitation, small hail, and strong to severe storms with gusty winds.

Why it matters

Severe weather can pose a significant threat to public safety, property, and infrastructure in the region. Residents and businesses should monitor forecasts closely and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.

The details

According to the NWS, the severe weather threat will begin this evening as a low-level jet develops, bringing a cluster of showers and storms that could produce small hail. On Saturday, an approaching shortwave disturbance is expected to lift a warm front north across the area, leading to the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms if storms are able to form given the ample instability and wind shear. Additional scattered thunderstorms are also possible Saturday evening along a dryline, some of which could also be on the stronger side. The exact position of the cold front and dryline will determine how widespread the severe weather chances will be, likely focused on the eastern parts of the NWS Hastings warning area.

  • This evening, a cluster of showers and storms with small hail is expected to move north and east of the area shortly after sunrise on Saturday.
  • On Saturday, an approaching shortwave disturbance will help lift a warm front north across the area in the afternoon.
  • Saturday evening, additional scattered thunderstorms are possible across western Nebraska and Kansas along a dryline, which could move into western portions of the area late Saturday night.

The players

National Weather Service - Hastings

The regional office of the National Weather Service that serves central Nebraska and issues forecasts and severe weather warnings for the area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'These storms would move into western portions of the area late Saturday evening-night. A few of these storms could be on the stronger side but given the timing of storm arrival the exact strength and coverage is uncertain.'”

— National Weather Service - Hastings

The takeaway

Residents in central Nebraska should closely monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if severe thunderstorm warnings are issued over the next several days. The combination of an upper-level trough, warm front, and dryline could set the stage for multiple rounds of potentially damaging storms across the region.