Kansas City metro under tornado watch until 10 p.m., 80 mph winds and hail possible: NWS
Update: The potential of tornados was de-escalated as of 8:00 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. However, a severe thunderstorm warning was called for northeastern Missouri, including Independence and Blue Springs, until 10 p.m.
A tornado watch has been issued until 10 p.m. Wednesday in the Kansas City metropolitan area, according to the National Weather Service.
The expected thunderstorms could also bring heavy rain, 80 mph winds and hail the size of Ping-Pong balls, the NWS reports.
Several small tornadoes could are possible, according to the NWS, as far north as Maryville and as far south as Pittsburg. The coverage area also extends as far west as Emporia and as far east as Harrisonville.
Storms began in northwest Missouri earlier this evening and are expected to move south into eastern Kansas and western Missouri across the next few hours, according to the NWS.
Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas City, Kansas, Topeka, Olathe and Overland Park are among the larger cities covered by the Wednesday night tornado watch. Nearly 3 million residents live in the tornado watch area, which includes 1237 schools and 91 hospitals.
Potential tornadoes in the Kansas City metropolitan area will likely be embedded within thunderstorms, the NWS said.
Wind damage is the NWS’ greatest concern in the Kansas City area for Wednesday night. Thunderstorms could last past midnight across the metro, even after the tornado watch passes.
The Star’s Robert A. Cronkleton contributed reporting.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published October 30, 2024 at 5:39 PM.
