Threat of severe storms, heavy rains pushed south of KC

The threat of severe storms and heavy rains has shifted farther south of Kansas City as morning showers and thunderstorms cooled temperatures Wednesday afternoon.

The highest threat for strong storms is expected to be along a cold front that runs from near Butler toward Columbia, according to the National Weather Service’s Facebook page.

A tornado watch has been issued until 10 p.m. for several counties south and east of the Kansas City area, including Miami and Franklin counties in Kansas, and Cass, Henry, Johnson, Pettis and Boone counties in Missouri.

Isolated tornadoes, hail up to 2 inches in diameter and winds up to 70 mph are possible in the affected areas, according to the National Weather Service.

Widespread storms could develop Wednesday evening and overnight, possibly producing large hail, strong winds, isolated tornadoes and heavy rain in excess of 2 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

In the Kansas City area, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue Wednesday afternoon with the possibility of heavy rain. The storms, however are, are not expected to be severe.

Thunderstorms Thursday morning have a low risk of being severe. Storms are expected to redevelop Thursday afternoon across western Missouri and form a squall line that could advance east toward the Mississippi River by evening, according to the National Weather Service.

The main hazard is expected to be damaging winds, but large hail and localized heavy rainfall are also possible.

Total rainfall in the Kansas City area is expected to be up to 1 1/2 inches through Thursday night. Some areas southeast and east of Kansas City could see in excess of 3 inches of rain.

Temperatures on Friday are expected to be much cooler with highs remaining in the 60s.

This story was originally published October 1, 2014 at 8:11 AM with the headline "Threat of severe storms, heavy rains pushed south of KC."