Warnings in Kansas City area expire, but not before tornado reported near Smithville
Strong thunderstorms moved through the Kansas City area Wednesday afternoon, producing heavy rain across the metro and spawning tornado warnings as at least one funnel cloud appeared over the Northland.
The tornado warnings for part of Platte and Clay counties were allowed to expire, but not before one tornado was reported near Smithville, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City. There were no immediate reports of any damage or injuries.
“A funnel cloud has been reported by the Emergency manager near Smithville,” the weather service said in a tweet. “Please take shelter if you are in the warning.”
Four minutes later, the weather service tweeted: “A tornado has been reported just west of Smithville, MO. If you are in the tornado warning, take shelter now!”
The first tornado warning was issued shortly after 1:30 p.m. as a severe thunderstorm was passing over Smithville, heading north about 5 mph. Radar indicated that there was rotation among the clouds.
The second tornado warning was issued shortly before 2 p.m. for east-central Clay County, including Excelsior Springs, Mosby and Prathersville.
By about 2:15, the tornado warning for the Smithville area was canceled as the circulation that was near the city weakened. About 10 minutes later, the second warning expired after its rotation had weakened.
“There are no tornado warnings in effect as of 2:24 p.m. CDT,” the weather service said on Twitter. “Stay weather aware though! We will continue monitoring the area.”
This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 3:15 PM.
