WATCH: Beatrice begins to see stronger winds

BEATRICE - Shortly after 9:00 AM this morning, Beatrice had a wind gust reading of over 40 MPH, but those speeds could increase by 20-30 MPH by the afternoon as wind gusts could top out near 70 MPH.

A High Wind Warning and Fire Weather Warning remain in effect until midnight. There's also a chance for a severe storm to develop in the late afternoon to early evening hours as stronger winds will meet higher temperatures.