Weather News

Strong to severe thunderstorms continue to roll through Kansas City bringing heavy rains

A line of strong to severe thunderstorms was approaching the Kansas City area shortly after 5 a.m. Thursday. Although the storms are expected to weaken into the rush hour, large hail and strong winds are still possible, according to the National Weather Service.
A line of strong to severe thunderstorms was approaching the Kansas City area shortly after 5 a.m. Thursday. Although the storms are expected to weaken into the rush hour, large hail and strong winds are still possible, according to the National Weather Service. National Weather Service in Kansas City

Heavy rains continue to fall across the Kansas City area as a line of strong to severe thunderstorms rumble through the metro early Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Although the storms are gradually weakening, quarter-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts remain a possibility into the morning rush hour, the weather service said. Localized heavy rainfall is also possible and could cause creeks and streets to rise in urban areas.

“With heavy rain moving across the metro, pooling on roadway can be expected,” the weather service said on Twitter. “Use caution if traveling during the morning rush hour. Slow it down and turn your headlights on!”

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue throughout most of the morning, eventually coming to an end. A wind advisory has been issued for the Kansas City area as non-thunderstorm wind gusts of up to 45 mph are possible Thursday morning.

Local Radar Image

Once the rain stops, the skies will gradually clear, becoming partly sunny. Temperatures are expected to rise to near 70 degrees in the afternoon.

Cooler weather is expected for the remainder of the week and into the weekend, as temperatures are only expected to climb to around 60 degrees on Friday, the lower 50s on Saturday and the upper 50s on Sunday.

Frost will be possible Saturday morning as overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the low to mid-30s. A widespread freeze is likely Sunday morning as temperatures will at or below freezing. Sensitive vegetation could be damaged or killed if protective measures are not taken, the weather service said.

Weather watches and warnings

A live data feed from the National Weather Service containing official weather warnings, watches, and advisory statements. Tap warning areas for more details. Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform and Esri.


This story was originally published April 20, 2023 at 7:01 AM.

Robert A. Cronkleton
The Kansas City Star
Robert A. Cronkleton is a breaking news reporter for The Kansas City Star, covering crime, courts, transportation, weather and climate. He’s been at The Star for 36 years. His skills include multimedia and data reporting and video and audio editing. Support my work with a digital subscription
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