SIDNEY — A powerful storm system moving into the Nebraska Panhandle Sunday is expected to bring severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds and even isolated tornadoes later this afternoon and evening.

Meteorologist Laura Lockwood with the WeatherEye Weather Center said conditions are setting up for a potentially volatile evening in the Sidney area.

“There’s a fairly high chance for severe storms with this setup,” Lockwood said. “Showers could start as early as 2 or 3 p.m., with storms becoming more likely around 5 to 6 p.m. and continuing through 8 or 9 p.m.”

The National Weather Service has placed the southern Panhandle under an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) for severe weather, while parts of south-central Kansas and northwest Oklahoma have been upgraded to a moderate risk (level 4 of 5), where strong tornadoes are more likely.

The current forecast for the Sidney region calls for a high near 63 and breezy southeast winds gusting to 35 mph. Showers and storms are expected to develop late in the day. Tonight, storms could linger through midnight before tapering off. Some may remain severe with new rainfall between a quarter and half an inch possible.

“These storms will carry the potential for very large hail, strong wind gusts and a couple of tornadoes,” Lockwood added. 

The threat is conditional on the erosion of a stable layer in the atmosphere, but if storms do initiate, all severe hazards are possible. Gusty winds will continue into Monday, and snow may develop in higher elevations behind the system.