BRIDGEPORT - Strong to severe storms were forecast to produce gusty winds near 60 mph, with locally 70 mph wind gusts possible, for most of western Nebraska and southeast Wyoming Monday.

The National Weather Service office in Cheyenne placed Morrill, Banner, Scotts Bluff, Box Butte, Dawes, Sioux, Goshen and east Laramie Counties in a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. Monday. 

A severe thunderstorm in western Scotts Bluff and southern Sioux County until 4:15 p.m. Monday produced 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail, according to NWS radar. 

The weather service says storms were to taper off Monday evening after a cold front pushes through. Gusty winds behind the front could produce sustained winds between 25 to 35 mph. 

Strong winds were expected to continue Tuesday with sustained winds around 25 mph and gusts around 35-40 mph. Some showers and storms lingered Tuesday morning before drier conditions return for Tuesday afternoon.

Winds were forecast to decrease by Tuesday evening and calmer conditions would return through the end of the week. Precipitation chances increase again for the weekend.