Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in the Kansas City area Friday, says the NWS

The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Friday at 6:50 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 7:15 p.m. The alert is for Platte, Andrew, De Kalb, Buchanan and Clinton counties.

The storms could bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

"At 6:50 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near St. Joseph to near Dearborn to near Leavenworth. Movement was east at 30 mph," says the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible."

Locations impacted by the alert include Platte City, Gower, Stewartsville, Agency, Edgerton, Dearborn, Camden Point, Clarksdale, Tracy, Easton, Ridgely, Amity, Beverly and Hoover. This includes the following highways: Interstate 29 between mile markers 17 and 30. Interstate 435 near mile marker 31.

The NWS states, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. for northwestern Missouri. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. for northeastern Kansas and west central Missouri."

This alert is in effect until 7:15 p.m.

How to react when facing a lightning hazard?

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It diminishes as the storm moves away.

Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm:

• To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.
• If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
• Once indoors, avoid touching corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait for 30 minutes after the final lightning or thunder before heading outside again.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

• Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.
• Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If in a forest, stay close to lower trees.
• If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.
• If you are camping in an open space, choose a valley, ravine, or low area for your campsite. Remember, tents do not shield you from lightning.
• Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity.

Rainy weather driving tips

• Turn on your headlights - Even when it's light outside, using headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.
• While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
• Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
• Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
• Avoid flooded zones - If you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and go back. The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is primarily caused by three factors:

1. Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
2. Water depth - The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn't matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
3. Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.

In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:

• Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
• Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.
• Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
• Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots Kansas City

This story was originally published April 3, 2026 at 6:52 PM.