OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Below are the latest updates on Friday night’s severe weather.
6:05PM – A severe thunderstorm warning, with the possibility of up to 1″ hail and 60mph wind gusts is in effect for N Fremont and S central Mills counties in W Iowa and NW Otoe and SE Cass counties in E Nebraska. The warning runs until 6:45PM. Those in the warning area are advised to seek shelter indoors until the storm has passed.
5:54PM – A severe thunderstorm warning, with the possibility of large hail and damaging winds of at least 60mph, is in effect for Mills and Cass counties until 6:45PM. Those in the warning area are advised to seek shelter indoors until the storm has passed.
5:20 PM – A severe thunderstorm is in place for much of the Omaha metro area and surrounding areas at about 5:20 p.m. Friday. That watch is in effect until 1 a.m. Saturday, meaning conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
Temperatures have climbed into the 90s around the Omaha metro Friday, and you are feeling more humidity. This sets the stage for the first of a few rounds of severe storms through the weekend.
Severe weather impacts Friday, May 15, 2026(WOWT)
Storms likely develop around 6:00 PM Friday evening, growing stronger as they move east. I would favor places along and south of a line from the Platte River, to the Omaha metro, and I-80 in Iowa. Any storm that develops this evening could have large hail and strong winds, plus heavy rain and lightning. The tornado potential tonight is very low.
Forecast radar Friday evening(WOWT)
We get a break from the storms overnight through most of Saturday. We will not get a break from the warmth and humidity! The next round of storms starts in central Nebraska Saturday afternoon. then moves east toward Omaha through the evening and overnight. Once again, hail and strong winds will be the biggest impacts, along with more heavy rain.
First Alert Weather days ahead for Omaha(WOWT)
Sunday and Monday will likely have the most potent storms. There is a lot of waiting and watching to see where fronts are after the first two rounds of storms. The biggest focal point is a front that stalls across eastern Nebraska. Anywhere along and east of that front could see storms with big hail, strong winds, and isolated tornadoes Sunday and Monday.
Humidity for Omaha over the next five days(WOWT)
Allow me to try and silver line the forecast here: Outdoor events late Sunday morning through most of the afternoon should be fine. Be prepared for gusty winds, heat, and humidity. Storm chances go up late in the afternoon through the evening. It is tough to get more specific with timing this far out.
Severe outlook for Sunday, May 17, 2026(WOWT)
The same goes on Monday. Mid morning through the middle of the afternoon is likely quiet, then more storms develop. This could impact school pick-up and the afternoon commute on Monday.
My best advice is to keep checking in with the forecast daily this weekend. Each round of storms will give us new information on where the next round develops. As we get closer and closer, we can focus in on the times where storms are most likely, and when you can safely be outside.
Copyright 2026 WOWT. All rights reserved.
