Severe thunderstorms likely to sweep through Kansas City, with freeze on the way
A strong cold front that’s expected to pass through the Kansas City metro on Easter Sunday will bring storms with temperatures tumbling to start the work week, according to National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill.
Strong and isolated severe thunderstorms are expected to fire up as early as 2 p.m. and continue until 8 p.m. Sunday. Damaging winds up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail will be possible with these storms, according to the weather service.
Behind the front, strong winds out of the north to northwest of 20 to 35 mph are expected with gusts up to 50 mph.
Because of the strong winds, the weather service has issued a wind advisory for Kansas City region, including the metro, that is in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Monday.
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could also be blown down, knocking out power in some areas, the weather service said.
The strong winds are expected to usher in much older air and a freeze is expected overnight as temperatures are expected to plunge into the mid to upper 20s, according to the weather service.
The unseasonably cold temperatures has prompted the weather service to issue a freeze warning that is in effect from 10 p.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Monday.
Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other sensitive plants, the weather service said. People were urged to take steps to protect tender plants from the cold. Unprotected outdoor plumbing could also be damage.
“Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle,” the weather service said in the warning. “Secure outdoor objects.”
In its forecast guidance for people using temporary outdoor structures, including tents for medical purposes, the Weather Service people should assume lightning is possible with any rain shower Sunday into Sunday evening.
Tents offer no protection from lightning and should be evacuated in advance of, during and 30 minutes after thunderstorms. People should also check the wind ratings on their tents and make sure they are set up according to manufacturer recommendations.
