Severe storms, including possible tornadoes, expected in Kansas City area Wednesday

Severe storms will likely sweep into the Kansas City area late Wednesday morning, bringing the possibility of damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes.

Storms could develop overnight Tuesday and early Wednesday morning along the state line, but these storms aren’t expected to be severe, according to the National Weather Service on its Facebook page.

The severe weather is expected to last through most of Wednesday afternoon before moving out of the area during the evening hours, according to the National Weather Service.

The biggest threats are strong, damaging winds with hail of one to two inches in diameter and possible tornadoes.

The highest risk of severe storms have shifted east of the Kansas City area. The metro area, however, remains under a “slight risk” of severe thunderstorms, which means scattered severe storms are possible. These storms tend to be short-lived and/or are not widespread. There is a possibility of isolated intense storms.

Some of the larger cities under the “enhanced risk” of severe storms include Columbia and St. Louis and Springfield, and Peoria and Decatur in Illinois. Under this category, numerous severe storms are possible and they are more persistent and/or widespread. A few of the storms may be intense.

In addition to the threat of severe storms, there’s a concern for high fire danger because strong winds of 20 to 35 mph will persist through most of the day. The National Weather Service is strongly discouraging outdoor burning on Wednesday.

This story was originally published November 10, 2015 at 9:18 AM with the headline "Severe storms, including possible tornadoes, expected in Kansas City area Wednesday."