Severe weather threat likely for eastern Nebraska starting Friday afternoon

The confidence in a severe weather threat across eastern Nebraska is increasing. Be weather aware from about 2 p.m. through 6 p.m. Friday afternoon and evening (March 14, 2025).

An Enhanced (Level 3 of 5) risk now includes Lincoln toward Omaha and much of far eastern Nebraska. Strong storms are expected to move in from the south, and numerous could be severe.

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The risk for brief and isolated tornadoes has increased, with now a 5% chance of a tornado within 25 miles of a point for those in the brown color below. Lincoln is on the edge of that possibility.

The primary threat is significant damaging winds that could exceed 75 mph with these storms. There is a higher likelihood for those in red below.

Some hail is also possible.

Timing of these strong to severe storms can be found through a video of Stormcast below that walks you through Friday afternoon into Saturday morning.

Storms start off messy and just east of Lincoln by 2 p.m., then an arching band of storms organizes and moves in from the south between 4-6 p.m. this evening. That will be our potential for mainly damaging winds, but we can’t rule out a brief tornado or some hail.

Strong wind gusts not even associated with thunderstorms will be widespread Friday into Saturday as this strong spring system sweeps through.

A High Wind Warning will be in effect for most of the state by Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon with gusts up to 60 mph possible. A few counties in southeast Nebraska will be under a Wind Advisory Friday afternoon and evening with gusts up to 45 mph possible.

Timing of these wind gusts across Nebraska can be found by watching the video below.

With these quick-moving storms, we won’t see too much precipitation. But we’ll welcome any moisture we can get.

This system has trended warmer as it quickly lifts northeast Saturday morning, so the potential for snow has dropped off even for those in northern Nebraska.

After a windy and cooler day Saturday, we’ll start to warm Sunday and be back to about 80° in time for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

And we would love to see video of any storm footage you may get (safely!). You can upload that using our Now Local News App HERE. 

Meteorologist Jessica Blum 
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