Tornado Watch Issued for Parts of Kansas and Missouri

The watch is in effect until midnight on Wednesday

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:06pm

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The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of eastern Kansas and west-central Missouri, including areas south of the Kansas City metro. The watch is in effect until midnight on Wednesday as severe thunderstorms are expected to develop in the region.

Why it matters

Tornado watches are issued when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes, which can cause significant damage and pose a serious threat to public safety. Residents in the affected areas should monitor the weather closely and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.

The details

The tornado watch covers a large swath of territory, including counties in eastern Kansas and west-central Missouri. Forecasters are predicting the potential for severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. The storms are expected to develop later this evening and continue through the overnight hours.

  • The tornado watch is in effect until midnight on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather watches, warnings, and forecasts for the United States.

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What’s next

Residents in the affected areas should continue to monitor the weather and be prepared to take shelter if tornado warnings are issued. The National Weather Service will be closely tracking the storms and providing updates throughout the evening.

The takeaway

This tornado watch serves as an important reminder for residents in eastern Kansas and west-central Missouri to stay vigilant and be prepared for the possibility of severe weather. Paying close attention to weather alerts and having a plan in place can help keep communities safe during these types of events.