Howling winds bring threat of downed trees, power outages, fires to Kansas City area
Howling winds have already began to blow across the Kansas City metropolitan area and they are expected to increase in speed throughout the day Wednesday.
The National Weather Service in Kansas City has placed the metro area, as well as parts of Kansas and Missouri, under a high wind warning as strong winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 60 to 65 mph are expected.
The warning is in effect from 9 a.m. to midnight, but the highest gusts are expected to be between 3 and 10 p.m.
Sustained winds around 20 mph with gusts near 45 mph had already been reported at Kansas City International Airport early Wednesday.
“Damaging winds will potentially blow down trees and power lines,” the weather service said in the warning. “Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”
People were advised to avoid being outside in the wind as well as avoid being around trees and branches.
“If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows,” the weather service said. “Use caution if you must drive.”
There is a slight risk of strong to severe thunderstorms after 4 p.m. north of Interstate 70 as a cold front moves through area. If the showers and thunderstorms develop, the have the possibility of creating wind gusts up to 75 mph., according to the weather service.
The strong winds, combined with dry conditions, could cause any fires that start to spread rapidly out of control. A red flag warning has been issued for areas north of Kansas City in northwestern Missouri.
Temperatures are expected to climb into the 70s in Kansas City on Wednesday, which could break some records. The daily record for this date in Kansas City is 68 degrees, set in 2002. Temperatures at KCI had already reached 67 degrees shortly before 7 a.m.
The record maximum temperature for Kansas City in December is 74 degrees, set on Dec. 3, 2012, Dec. 5, 2001 and Dec. 6, 1939.
This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 8:14 AM.
