Severe weather, including a squall line of thunderstorms, possible in Kansas City area
Severe weather including strong winds, large hail and maybe a tornado or two is possible in the Kansas City area Tuesday as a couple rounds of thunderstorms sweep through Missouri, according to the National Weather Service.
While central and northeast Missouri are at greater risk of seeing high impact severe weather, the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has placed Kansas City and surrounding area under a slight risk of severe thunderstorms. The rating means that scattered severe storms are possible, but are not expected to be widespread.
The first round of storms is expected to develop Tuesday afternoon across northern Missouri. The better storm chances will stay north of the Kansas City area, according to the weather service.
A second round of storms is expected after 6 p.m. Tuesday. These storms will likely develop along a cold front that is expected to move through the Kansas City area. The storms could form a squall line with gusty winds and perhaps a brief tornado as it moves eastward, according to the weather service.
Because of uncertainty in the forecast, people should remain aware of weather conditions and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, the weather service said.
In addition to the threat of severe weather, strong winds are expected Tuesday. Gusts of 25 to 35 mph are possible, with occasional gusts of 45 mph possible Tuesday evening.
A wind advisory has been issued that is in effect from 2 p.m. Tuesday to 1 a.m. Wednesday.
“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects,” the weather service said in the advisory. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.”
Drivers are urged to use caution, especially if they are in high-profile vehicles.
Drier air is expected to move into the region late Tuesday, leading to a high fire danger. A red flag warning — which indicates that fires could quickly spread out of control — has been issued in Kansas and northwest Missouri. Outdoor burning and open flames are highly discouraged Tuesday afternoon, the weather service said.
This story was originally published April 4, 2023 at 7:33 AM.
