Tornado reported south of Overland Park as thunderstorms roll into Kansas City metro
Update: Johnson County Emergency Management issued a statement via Twitter Monday at 4:54 p.m. saying the tornado warnings had expired. Residents were advised to remain alert in case the situation changes.
The National Weather Service in Kansas City issued a tornado warning for parts of Miami and Johnson counties in Kansas as severe thunderstorms rolled into the metro area Monday afternoon.
The warning was issued shortly before 4 p.m. after radar indicated there was a rotation in the clouds, according to the warning.
The National Weather Service said on Twitter that law enforcement reported a tornado touched down about near 199th Street and Switzer Road in rural southeast Johnson County, just south of Overland Park.
About that time, the weather service issued a new tornado warning for southeast Johnson County in Kansas and parts of Cass and Jackson counties in Missouri.
The new warning was issued as a severe thunderstorm seven miles east of Spring Hill was moving to the northeast at 15 mph.
The first warning was issued after a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado moved over Spring Hill in southern Johnson County shortly before 4 p.m., according to the weather service.
Radar indicated that there was rotation in the clouds. The cities exposed to the possible threat included Overland Park, Olathe, Leawood, Spring Hill and Stanley.
Under the new warning, the areas exposed to the possible threat included Overland Park, Leawood, Grandview, Belton, Raymore and Stilwell, according to the weather service.
The storm was moving to the northeast at 25 mph and was capable of producing a tornado and quarter size hail, the warning said.
The weather service said flying debris would be dangerous to those caught without shelters. Other damage from the storm could occur to mobile homes, roofs, window and vehicles. Tree damage was also likely.
The first warning was set to expire at 4:30 p.m.
By Monday evening, photographs and videos from around Johnson County were posted on social media showing downed trees, damaged rooftops and broken fences. Some in the area of 193rd Terrace and Antioch Road had already begun repairing the damage done.
This story was originally published March 15, 2021 at 4:14 PM.
