Severe weather forecast for Salina region, strong storms moving into Central Plains Monday

Thunderstorm chances are expected to increase across the region Monday night, with a few severe storms possible as they move northeast across the region. <b>Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita</b> — Thunderstorm chances are expected to increase across the region Monday night, with a few severe storms possible as they move northeast across the region. **Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita**

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER
Salina Post

Lingering supercells, strong winds and possibly beneficial rain are on track for the Great Plains Monday evening, with an increased chance for a few stronger storms in north central Kansas after sundown.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) forecasts a large area of enhanced and slight risks for severe weather beginning in the High Plains and extending through most of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and parts of Texas.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) Categorical Outlook for severe weather probabilities. Issued on Monday, April 15. <b>Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC</b> — National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) Categorical Outlook for severe weather probabilities. Issued on Monday, April 15. **Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC**

According to U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) Wichita Meteorologist Chris Jakub, the forecast data shows an increased risk for thunderstorms in central and north-central Kansas later at night.

"It's mainly going to be after dark," Jakub said. "It looks like it could have some lingering activity during the night and maybe into Tuesday morning."

Since storms will likely impact the Salina region after dark, Jakub said the chances for tornadic activity will decrease, but forecasts show other thunderstorm hazards continuing into early Tuesday morning.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) Probabilistic Tornado outlook. Issued on Monday, April 15. <b>Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC</b> — National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) Probabilistic Tornado outlook. Issued on Monday, April 15. **Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC**

Thunderstorms in north-central Kansas have the potential to form a line of storms, which could bring beneficial rain to the area.

"It's possible they [the thunderstorms] could get into a line. If that happens, it would reduce the severe weather," Jakub said. "It's a pretty good signal to bring some beneficial rain to the area because it's been quite dry."

Although Salina and nearby communities have a lower chance of seeing tornadic activity Monday evening, forecasts show damaging winds and large hail in the region.

Jakub said during severe weather events, he advises residents to keep more than two forms of receiving weather information. This could include smartphones, televisions, weather radios or other devices to connect to weather information.