Severe thunderstorms to blow through KC area; tornado or two possible northwest of metro
A round of strong to severe thunderstorms will bring Kansas City’s summer-like weather to an abrupt end Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
The storms are part of a system that is threatening to produce large hail, strong wind gusts and a few tornadoes across parts of the central U.S.
The chance of severe weather in Kansas City has increased. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the metro area in the slight risk category, which means scattered severe thunderstorms are possible.
The storms, which are expected to move across the KC metro area between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 4 a.m. Thursday, will have the potential of producing large hail and damaging wind gusts.
Meanwhile, a tornado or two is possible in northeastern Kansas and northwestern Missouri, according to the weather service.
Heavy rains also are expected from the storms. Between one and two inches of rain is expected along the Interstate 35 corridor. Some areas could see as much as three inches of rain.
Runoff from the storms could cause rivers, creeks and streams to rise, leading to the possibility of flash flooding, especially in urban and developed areas, the weather service said. People are urged to turn around and avoid driving through flooded areas.
Strong, non-thunderstorm winds also will be an issue overnight. A wind advisory has been issued for parts of east central and northeast Kansas and west and central Missouri, including the Kansas City area, that is in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday. Wind gusts of 45 mph are expected, according to the weather service.
After temperatures climb to near 80 degrees on Wednesday in Kansas City, they will only reach the mid- to upper 60s on Thursday, which is typical for this time of year. Cooler weather is expected headed into the weekend, with temperatures reaching 60 on Friday and the 50s on Saturday and Sunday.
Areas of frost will be likely Saturday morning. A widespread freeze is possible Sunday morning as overnight temps drop into the upper 20s to lower 30s.
The cold weather could damage or kill sensitive plants if protective measures aren’t taken, the weather service said.
