Friday storms could bring hail, damaging winds, tornadoes to KC. What to know
Strong to severe storms will continue in northern Missouri into Thursday evening, but Kansas City’s biggest concern is Friday, when storms could fire up in the afternoon and then organize into an evening line that brings damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.
Parts of northeastern Missouri are under a tornado watch until around 8 p.m. as isolated storms form in the area. The weather service said the main threats are damaging winds and hail, but a tornado can’t be ruled out. The better tornado potential appears farther east and northeast. Thunderstorm chances should drop after sunset and continue to fade overnight.
In the Kansas City area, winds will remain strong through the evening, with wind gusts as high as 35 to 40 mph.
Attention then turns to Friday, when there is potential for two rounds of severe weather, with a conditional risk of isolated storms in the afternoon and a more widespread line of storms near and after sunset, the weather service said.
All hazards will be possible with the afternoon storms, including tornadoes and very large hail. Meanwhile, damaging winds will be the primary threat with the line of storms, but large hail and a few tornadoes will also be possible, the weather service said.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has placed Kansas City, and other parts of the forecast area, under a slight risk of severe weather, Level 2 of 5, on Friday. Meanwhile, areas just to the north and east of the metro are at an enhanced risk, Level 3 of 5.
There will also be a chance for moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly south of U.S. 50, which could create some localized flash flooding, especially in areas that saw significant rainfall Wednesday night into Thursday, and urban areas.
