Strong winds, thunderstorms likely in Kansas City area

Thunderstorms are likely to move into the Kansas City area Wednesday night following a windy day.

The strong southerly winds Wednesday afternoon will create a high fire danger across the area, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds are expected to gust up to 35 mph and the National Weather Service warned that any unattended fires could quickly get out of control. They are urging people avoid burning if possible.

Thunderstorms are expected to form along a cold front across Nebraska and Iowa Wednesday afternoon.

The storms are expected to move into far northwestern Missouri tonight, bringing the slight risk of large hail and strong winds.

The storms could also produce heavy rainfall with some minor flooding in some areas across northern Missouri overnight into Thursday morning.

In the Kansas City area, thunderstorms should hold off until after midnight.

Rain is likely to continue to fall early Thursday including into the morning rush hour. There’s a chance of rain throughout the day Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

The Kansas City area could see between 1/2 to 3/4 inch of rain through Thursday.

The chance for rain continues into Friday morning, but it should clear by the afternoon, setting the stage for a dry, cooler weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

This story was originally published April 1, 2015 at 8:50 AM with the headline "Strong winds, thunderstorms likely in Kansas City area."