A significant severe weather event is shaping up for a large part of the southern Plains into the upper Mississippi River Valley as a shortwave trough approaches the region from eastern New Mexico this afternoon. Conditions are favorable for intense, long-lived supercells capable of strong tornadoes and gigantic hail in the HIGH RISK area!

A classic dryline will develop across the western edge of the risk area this afternoon. As low-level moisture continues to stream into the region from the southeast, the atmosphere will become more unstable, allowing for the likelihood of intense supercell development. - Dewpoints are already in the mid-60s reaching into southern Kansas! The situation is made especially dangerous by the presence of strong directional shear, with 0-1km EHI suggesting that strong to violent tornadoes will be possible!

We will have numerous chasers in the field, so be sure to follow along on the LIVE TRACKER . People in the risk areas should monitor the dangerous situation as it unfolds and have a plan in place in the event of a warning!

 UPDATE! Two PDS Tornado Watches in effect!