Thunderstorm drops baseball-sized hail across Kansas City area Wednesday night
Baseball-sized hail pounded the Kansas City metro Wednesday night as a severe thunderstorm made its way across northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri.
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning that expired at 9 p..m. Wednesday and a tornado watch that remained in effect until 1 a.m.
In its warning, the weather service said the storm had potential to produce 3-inch hailstones and 60 mph wind gusts. The weather service advised people to stay away from windows and shelter indoors, according to social media posts.
Cathy Rocco, a resident of Shawnee, said she saw a massive hailstone fall in her backyard.
“I watched this one bounce in my backyard and had to run out and get it,” she said on Facebook.
In an interview with The Star, Rocco said she has heard from residents near Shawnee that there was damage to their vehicles and broken windows on houses.
In addition to the dangerous hailstones, the area experienced heavy rainfall.
More storms possible Thursday
According to the National Weather Service, there is a slight risk of severe weather Thursday in the Kansas City metro area. Storms are expected to redevelop east of Interstate 35 Thursday afternoon and continue into the evening.
More damaging hail and winds are possible Thursday evening.
This story was originally published March 13, 2024 at 10:07 PM.
