Big Thunderstorms Pepper Eastern U.S., N. Plains

Severe weather trouble will brew across the northern Plains and parts of the eastern U.S. to finish up the last Friday in June. Damaging wind gusts, large hail, and an isolated tornado is possible. 

Thunderstorms will rapidly multiply along a warm front attached to low pressure across the Dakotas tonight. This activity will merge into a thunderstorm complex, racing southeast into western and south-central Minnesota during predawn on Saturday morning. Gusts up to 70 to 80 mph, hail larger than golf balls, and a couple of tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

Minot and Bismarck, N.D., Aberdeen and Pierre, S.D., and the Twin Cities may ultimately be in the path of this activity overnight.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for part of south-central and southeast South Dakota, including Mobridge, Pierre and Huron. 

A Tornado Watch is in effect for parts of North Dakota, including Bismarck. 

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for northwest Iowa, northeast Nebraska, and southeast South Dakota. Cities include Sioux Falls, S.D., and Sioux City, Iowa. 

Additional peppy thunderstorms containing gusty winds and small hail will remain possible this evening from the Florida Peninsula to the Appalachian Spine and as far north as the eastern Great Lakes. Cities such as Cleveland and Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Charleston, W. Va., Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., Atlanta, Brimingham and Mobile, Ala., and Jacksonville and Orlando, Fla., may have a dangerous storm encounter.

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"