Storms Could Bring Damaging Winds, Large Hail and Dangerous Lightning Across the Central Plains
Severe thunderstorms are developing across portions of the Central Plains this evening, with a Severe Thunderstorm Watch covering areas from central into northeast Kansas, western into north-central Oklahoma, and the eastern Texas Panhandle. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning is also in effect for portions of northeastern Kansas and northwestern Missouri.
Residents across the region should remain weather-aware as storms organize and move through the evening. Thunderstorms can intensify quickly, particularly near and ahead of developing lines or clusters.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Kansas, Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch includes portions of:
- Central into northeast Kansas
- Western into north-central Oklahoma
- Eastern Texas Panhandle
A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms. Not every location within the watch will experience severe weather, but storms that develop may produce damaging wind gusts, large hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall.
The greatest concern is for storms that become organized or merge into larger clusters. Stronger storms can produce rapidly changing conditions, especially during the evening hours.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Northeastern Kansas and Northwestern Missouri
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for:
- Southwestern Doniphan County, Kansas
- Atchison County, Kansas
- Southwestern Buchanan County, Missouri
- Northwestern Platte County, Missouri
A warning means severe weather is occurring or is imminent in the warned area. People inside or near the warned locations should take shelter promptly rather than waiting for conditions to deteriorate.
What Severe Thunderstorms Can Bring
The strongest storms may produce:
Damaging Winds: Powerful wind gusts can knock down trees and power lines, damage structures and create dangerous driving conditions.
Large Hail: Hail can damage vehicles, windows, roofs and crops. Move vehicles under shelter when possible before storms arrive.
Frequent Lightning: Lightning remains dangerous even when a storm is not producing a tornado. Move indoors when thunder is heard.
Heavy Rain: Downpours may quickly reduce visibility and create areas of ponding or localized flooding, especially where storms repeatedly track over the same location.
Why Conditions Can Change Quickly
Severe thunderstorms can strengthen rapidly when warm, humid air combines with atmospheric instability and favorable wind patterns. As storms interact with boundaries and nearby thunderstorms, their structure and intensity can change quickly.
For residents in and around the watch and warning areas, this means a quiet sky does not necessarily indicate that severe weather is finished. Continue monitoring updated National Weather Service information until the threat has passed.
Severe Weather Safety
If a warning is issued for your location:
- Move indoors immediately.
- Stay away from windows during strong winds or hail.
- Bring pets inside before storms arrive.
- Avoid driving through severe thunderstorms when possible.
- Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
- If power goes out, stay clear of downed power lines and report hazards to the appropriate utility or emergency officials.
- Continue monitoring official weather updates for additional warnings.
If you’re outside when lightning begins, seek a substantial enclosed building or hard-topped vehicle. Avoid isolated trees, open fields and other exposed locations.
Radar Watch HQ Final Thoughts
The combination of a broad Severe Thunderstorm Watch and active Severe Thunderstorm Warning means residents across parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle and Missouri should remain alert this evening. Conditions can change quickly as storms develop, strengthen and move into new communities.
Stay aware of the latest official warnings, have a way to receive weather alerts, and be prepared to move indoors quickly if a severe thunderstorm approaches.
Stay weather-aware, stay prepared, and take severe weather warnings seriously.
