Tornado watch in place for the Kansas City area until Friday night

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At 1:42 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch in effect until 9 p.m. The watch is for Johnson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Clay, Jackson, Platte, Atchison, Doniphan, Linn, Miami, Adair, Andrew, Bates, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Cass, Chariton, Clinton, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Howard, Lafayette, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Nodaway, Pettis, Putnam, Randolph, Ray, Saline, Schuyler, Sullivan and Worth counties.

This watch is in effect until 9 p.m.

Tips for finding shelter during a tornado

According to the NWS, acting quickly is key to staying safe during a tornado. Stay tuned to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for continuous updates on tornado watches and warnings.

• If you are indoors: If you find yourself under a tornado warning, immediately seek refuge in your basement, safe room, or an interior room without windows. If there's enough time, bring your pets with you.
• If you are at your workplace or school: Follow your tornado drill protocol and make your way to the designated tornado shelter area. Keep away from windows and refrain from seeking shelter in large open rooms like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
• If you are outside: If a tornado is approaching, seek immediate shelter inside a secure building. Remember that sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe options.
• If you are in a vehicle: Being inside a vehicle during a tornado is not a safe option. Drive towards the closest shelter. If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and shield your head, or leave your vehicle and find shelter in a ditch or ravine.

Do you have an emergency kit ready in case of a tornado?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends keeping the following items in a basic disaster supplies kit:

• Water, one gallon per person for at least three days
• Food, at least a three-day supply
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Whistle
• Dust mask to filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape, for shelter purposes
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps

Source: The National Weather Service

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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 1:45 PM.