Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Box Butte and Dawes Counties, Nebraska
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Box Butte County and Dawes County, Nebraska, as a powerful thunderstorm moves across the region capable of producing hail up to 1.00 inch in diameter and damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Residents in the warning area should take immediate precautions as these storms can produce hazardous weather in a short amount of time. Even storms considered below tornado strength are capable of causing damage to homes, vehicles, trees, and power lines.
Main Hazards
- Hail: Up to 1.00 inch (quarter-sized)
- Wind Gusts: Up to 60 mph
- Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning
- Heavy rainfall reducing visibility
- Localized flooding in poor drainage areas
Strong wind gusts of 60 mph can snap tree limbs, damage roofs and siding, blow around unsecured outdoor furniture, and create dangerous travel conditions for high-profile vehicles. Quarter-sized hail can dent vehicles, damage crops, break windows, and injure anyone caught outdoors.
Areas Affected
The warning includes:
- Box Butte County
- Dawes County
Communities throughout the warning area should closely monitor changing weather conditions and be prepared to move indoors immediately if threatening weather approaches.
What You Should Do
If you are within the warning area:
- Move indoors to a sturdy building immediately.
- Stay away from windows and glass doors.
- Bring pets inside if it is safe to do so.
- Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and loose objects.
- Delay travel until the storm has passed.
- Never seek shelter under trees during lightning.
If you are driving and encounter hail or damaging winds, safely pull off the roadway when possible and wait until conditions improve.
Potential Impacts
While this storm is not currently producing tornado conditions, severe thunderstorms can intensify rapidly. Damaging straight-line winds often produce destruction similar to weaker tornadoes, especially when trees or power lines are brought down.
Heavy rain accompanying the storm may also create water-covered roads. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways, as water depth and road damage may not be visible.
Stay Weather Aware
Weather conditions can change rapidly throughout the afternoon and evening. Continue monitoring forecasts, local emergency management officials, and National Weather Service updates for the latest information regarding this Severe Thunderstorm Warning.
Radar Watch HQ will continue providing updates as additional warnings or statements are issued for western Nebraska.
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Radar Watch HQ Top 5 Essential Emergency Preparedness Picks
Whether you’re preparing for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extended power outages, these five emergency essentials can help keep your household safer when severe weather strikes.
A portable power station provides reliable backup electricity during outages, allowing you to power phones, medical devices, laptops, lights, small appliances, and communication equipment without fuel.
Best for:
- Extended power outages
- Severe thunderstorms
- Hurricanes
- Winter storms
- Wildfires
2. Flood Protection Barriers & Sandless Flood Bags
Flood barriers help divert or absorb water before it enters garages, doorways, and low-lying areas. They deploy quickly and can help reduce property damage during flash flooding.
Best for:
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Heavy rainfall
- River flooding
- Coastal flooding
3. Rechargeable LED Flashlights
Bright, dependable flashlights are essential when the power goes out. Rechargeable or solar-powered models provide long-lasting illumination for navigating safely indoors and outdoors.
Best for:
- Overnight power outages
- Emergency evacuations
- Storm damage inspections
Keep phones, tablets, weather radios, and USB-powered devices charged when the electrical grid is unavailable. A solar power bank offers an additional charging option during prolonged emergencies.
Best for:
- Communication during outages
- Emergency weather alerts
- Travel and evacuation
A NOAA Weather Radio delivers official weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service, even when cellular networks or internet service are unavailable. It remains one of the most dependable ways to receive life-saving warnings.
Best for:
- Tornado warnings
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- Flash flood warnings
- Hurricane alerts
- Winter storm emergencies
Why Radar Watch HQ Recommends These Essentials
At Radar Watch HQ, preparedness is just as important as staying informed. These five emergency essentials can help you stay connected, protect your property, and safely navigate severe weather events. Having supplies ready before storms arrive allows you to respond quickly when warnings are issued and conditions begin to deteriorate.
