WEATHER ALERT DAY: Strong storms possible early this evening
AFTERNOON UPDATE: Clouds have limited the amount of instability for storms to tap into this afternoon, so what we have seen so far has stayed sub severe with scattered lightning and heavy rain. As storms move east, there will be a small window for strong/severe storms through about 5-6PM, but the overall risk is low.
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team is tracking the threat for a few strong storms by mid-afternoon Tuesday.
Showers moved in ahead of a low-pressure system to our west/southwest this morning. Rain is expected to stick around through the morning commute, but if it clears out by mid-morning and sunshine can help de-stabilize the atmosphere, a few strong thunderstorms will be possible by early afternoon.
A limited amount of instability will be present, but there is enough low-level wind shear to get organized quickly if we can realize this energy. If rain and clouds stick around into mid-afternoon, our storm chances will be limited.
If storms do develop and move in, the time frame will be between noon and 6PM. The best environment will likely be along and north of Highway 50 during that window. Impacts will include all types of severe weather: 1" diameter hail, isolated 50-60 mph winds, and a brief spin-up tornado. The severe weather threat will diminish before the evening commute with showers and storms lifting northeast by 6-7 PM.
Stay with ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather this evening through Tuesday morning as the situation evolves.
