More heavy rains, flooding and possibly a tornado threaten Kansas City area
Heavy rainfall began to wane Friday morning in the Kansas City area, but another round of thunderstorms could bring additional downpours and severe weather, including possibly a weak tornado later in the day, according to the National Weather Service.
Dangerous flash flooding and flooding remain a threat across the metro area after storms dumped nearly 4 inches of rain across parts of the metro overnight, the weather service said.
As of 4 a.m., the highest rainfall totals generally were found along Interstate 70 and the Missouri River as well as southern and eastern parts of the Kansas City metro, the weather service said.
The potential for flash flooding will persist into Saturday morning, mainly in areas along and north of the Missouri River, according to the weather service.
Temperatures will be cooler on Friday, climbing into the mid-80s, a few degrees cooler than the typical 89 degrees for this time of year.
Additional heavy rains are forecast for Kansas City
Another wave of heavy rain is expected in the afternoon and overnight, the weather service said. There could be some areas that receive up to 5 inches of additional rainfall.
While the potential for additional flash flooding remains the greatest concern, there could also be a few strong to severe storms capable of damaging winds and perhaps a weak tornado, the weather service said. However, the threat of a tornado is low.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has placed Kansas City under a marginal risk of severe weather, the lowest of its five severe thunderstorm risk categories.
Meanwhile, the Weather Prediction Center has placed an area that stretches roughly from Wichita to St. Joseph, including the Kansas City metro, under a moderate risk of excessive rainfall, the second-highest category indicating the likelihood of heavy rain causing flash flooding.
“Heavy rain can lead to sudden flash floods, whether you’re on the road or at a campground,” the weather service said. “Set up a way to get weather warnings on your phone. When alerted to a flash flood, get to higher ground immediately. Never enter flood waters in a vehicle or on foot.”
Hot, humid weather returns to metro area
There is a medium chance that showers and thunderstorms will continue into Saturday, but the risk of severe storms and downpours will be much lower compared to earlier in the week.
Temperatures will climb into the lower 90s on Saturday as drier air moves into the metro, the weather service said.
The metro is expected to have a drying out period before chances of showers and thunderstorms return mid-week, the weather service said.
“The greatest concern for the long-term forecast period is the potential for excess heat as a dome of high pressure builds over the southern (United States) this weekend into next week,” the weather service said.
“Sunday through Tuesday looks to be the most concerning time period, with forecast highs in the 90s and dew points in the mid- to upper 70s yielding maximum heat indices around 105 to 110 (degrees) each day, possibly pushing 115 on Monday.”
Cooler and slightly less humid air is expected for the second half of next week.
