Severe weather is set to make a return to the central Plains on Friday, bringing with it the potential for dangerous conditions in Kansas City and Omaha. A warm and unstable airmass will create the perfect conditions for supercell thunderstorms, fueled by moisture and wind shear.

The initial threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail will primarily impact northern and central Nebraska as a weather disturbance moves from Colorado into the High Plains early Friday afternoon. However, as the storms progress into the evening, they are expected to transform into a fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms, generating wind gusts of 75 mph or more.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center warns that as the storms track into eastern Nebraska, Kansas, western Iowa, and Missouri during the evening, they have the potential to bring widespread damaging winds and hail. The region, including the Kansas City metro area, has been upgraded to a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather, while Omaha, Nebraska, lies just on the Level 2 side of the severe threat line.

FOX Weather Meteorologist Stephen Morgan advises residents of Kansas City to stay alert if heading out in the evening, as damaging wind gusts of 75 mph or more, along with large hail, pose the primary threats. The storms will gradually weaken overnight as they move into southeastern Kansas and southern Missouri.

In addition to the severe weather, heavy rain is expected to impact parts of the Central Plains. The area where Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas meet could see up to 3 inches of rain, with isolated areas potentially experiencing up to 5 inches. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 4 risk for flash flooding in the region.

Residents in the path of these severe thunderstorms are advised to stay informed about changing weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Prepare for severe weather in Kansas City and Omaha as damaging winds and large hail are expected to sweep across the region on Friday. Stay updated with local authorities and take appropriate measures to stay safe during this significant weather event.