Severe storms in Omaha Saturday could affect College World Series

And not just for foul balls and home runs hit into the seats.

Saturday’s forecast calls for a 40% to 50% chance of thunderstorms for large swaths of eastern Nebraska, including the Omaha and Lincoln areas, and north-central Iowa.

The greatest chance for strong and severe storms could happen from 4 to 10 p.m., said Brian Barjenbruch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Valley, although weaker thunderstorms could follow overnight into Sunday morning.

The location of Saturday’s storms will likely be influenced by what happened overnight, Barjenbruch said.

“Any sort of weak fronts (the first storms) leave in the area will play a big role in our (Saturday) afternoon weather,” he said.

The worst of Saturday’s storms could produce hail big enough to damage cars and roofs. Wind gusts could be strong enough to break tree limbs off trunks.

Barjenbruch said there’s “a nonzero potential for a tornado.”

“It’s not a great chance,” he added. “But there’s still a chance.”

The timing of Saturday’s storms could potentially disrupt the College World Series if the storms hit Omaha. Barjenbruch said fans should know where the nearest shelter is and have multiple ways to receive warnings.

Krystina Engdahl, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority, said a weather service meteorologist will be present near Charles Schwab Field, which is managed by MECA, to work with the NCAA and MECA on any weather developments.

In the event of inclement weather during a game, including the presence of lightning within 8 miles of the ballpark, play will be paused for 30 minutes after the last occurrence of lightning. Engdahl added if there’s a significant delay, fans will have the opportunity to scan their tickets to exit and reenter the ballpark. 

Fans inside the stadium will be asked to move to the covered concourse if there is a significant weather event or lightning in the area. Updates will be made through messages on the scoreboard and announcements over the ballpark’s speakers.

Should a weather event require the evacuation of the ballpark, police will be outside the stadium to direct fans to the nearest shelter, which could include the CHI Health Center.

Engdahl added the NCAA is the official source for information on weather delays. Fans are encouraged to follow the NCAA’s social media feeds and download its official app. Fans are also encouraged to ask any ushers or crowd managers should they need assistance.

Fans who have tickets to a postponed game will still be able to use their tickets for the rescheduled game.

Even if hailstones are not as big as baseballs, they could still cause injury.

“Pea-sized hail doesn’t feel very good,” Barjenbruch said. “Be prepared for storms that may come in. Hopefully they avoid you. But it’s better to be prepared.”

Once Saturday’s storm system passes, hot weather is expected to take hold. The forecast for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday calls for high temperatures in the mid-90s. Heat indexes are expected to top 100 degrees in eastern Nebraska.

“Summer has arrived,” Barjenbruch said.