Residents across south central Nebraska, including Hastings, Kearney, Grand Island, and York, should prepare for thunderstorms this weekend, with the strongest storms expected Saturday night into Sunday. The unsettled pattern may stick around until midweek.
Storm Chances Begin This Weekend
The National Weather Service in Hastings reports that while a few non-severe storms may pass through overnight Thursday, the main threat develops late Saturday into Sunday night.
Saturday evening storms could bring gusty winds, lightning, and heavy downpours
Isolated strong cells are possible, which may cause brief power flickers and ponding on rural roads
Additional rounds of storms may return Tuesday into Wednesday
Travel and Outdoor Impact
Communities across the region should expect periods of rain that may slow travel on I-80 and U.S. Highway 281. Outdoor events scheduled for Saturday night and Sunday could face delays or cancellations if storms move in.
Safety Precautions
Officials urge residents to:
Charge devices ahead of time in case of short power outages
Avoid driving through heavy downpours and reduce speed on wet roads
Stay updated with local weather alerts throughout the weekend
Five-Day Forecast for Hastings, Nebraska
| Day | Weather | High Temp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Mostly sunny | 94°F | Hot and dry |
| Saturday | Mostly sunny early, storms late (40%) | 90°F | Strong storms possible by evening |
| Sunday | Showers likely, storms possible | 78°F | Wettest day of the weekend |
| Monday | Sunny | 84°F | Dry, calmer weather |
| Tuesday | 20% chance of afternoon storms | 85°F | Storm chances return by evening |
Hastings and surrounding areas will face a stormy weekend, with the greatest risk of strong storms Saturday night into Sunday. While not all storms will be severe, gusty winds, lightning, and brief heavy rain may cause travel delays and minor disruptions.
The unsettled pattern continues into midweek before drier, cooler weather returns. Residents should plan outdoor activities carefully, stay alert for updates, and take safety precautions during storms.
