Severe storms threaten Kansas City area; tornado risk low, but can’t be ruled out
A strong cold front is expected to sweep through the Kansas City area Friday, bringing the likelihood of rain showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City.
Although widespread severe weather is not expected, there is a possibility for isolated strong to severe storms to develop. The primary threat from the strongest storms will be winds of up to 60 mph and isolated hail up to one inch in diameter, the weather service said.
The risk is low, but a brief isolated tornado between 5 and 8 p.m. can’t be ruled out.
“This evening’s round of storms will need to be watched closely,” the weather service said in its forecast discussion.
Rain was expected to begin falling in the Kansas City area Friday morning and continue through Saturday morning. Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall are expected Friday afternoon and evening.
Temperatures at Kansas City International Airport fell from 70 degrees at 6 a.m. to 52 degrees at 7 a.m., the weather service said on Twitter.
Between 1 to 2 inches of rain expected across the Kansas City area, with some areas possibly seeing higher amounts, the weather service said.
There also could be some minor flooding, but widespread flooding is unlikely.
Friday night’s forecast is calling for a 100% chance of rain at 4 p.m. That drops to 90% by 6 p.m. and 80% by 8 p.m., according to the weather service.
There is a chance for minor snow accumulation in Atchison County, Missouri, and portions of Holt and Nodaway counties as well.
The storm system is expected to quickly move away from the area Saturday, allowing temperatures to rebound into the 60s and 70s for most of next week.
This story was originally published November 4, 2022 at 7:08 AM.
