Severe Storms Threaten Kansas Tonight

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cold front and dry line will create the conditions for severe storms to develop across southern and eastern Kansas this evening. Meteorologists are tracking the threat of large hail up to golf ball size, damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, and a low but not zero chance of tornadoes. The storms are expected to cluster together into a line, which should help lower the tornado risk. Additional showers are possible overnight before a gusty north wind brings a sharp cooldown for Wednesday.

Why it matters

Severe weather can pose a serious threat to public safety, property, and infrastructure. This storm system has the potential to cause significant damage, power outages, and disruptions, so residents need to be prepared and heed any weather warnings or watches issued by local authorities.

The details

The severe weather threat will develop this afternoon and evening as a cold front and dry line interact across the region. Storms are expected to roll in from the southwest and become more intense as they encounter more favorable conditions farther east. Meteorologists warn that the storms will likely cluster together into a line, which should help lower the tornado risk but still bring the threat of large hail up to golf ball size and damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph.

• A Severe Thunderstorm Watch covers portions of southern Kansas through the evening, expanding into southeastern Kansas later tonight.
• A Tornado Watch covers the Oklahoma side of the state line.
• Storms are expected to roll in from the southwest through early evening.
• Additional showers will be possible especially from central to eastern Kansas through Wednesday morning.
• Temperatures will be chilly tonight, with some areas dropping below freezing.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Residents should monitor the weather closely, heed any warnings or watches issued by local authorities, and be prepared to take shelter if severe storms approach their area.