Tornado warning affecting the Kansas City area Monday night - seek safe shelter

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At 9:50 p.m. on Monday, the National Weather Service released a tornado warning in effect until 10:30 p.m. The warning is for Clay, Jackson, Carroll and Ray counties.

"At 9:49 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Orrick, or near Excelsior Springs, moving east at 55 mph," says the NWS. "Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely."

Locations impacted by the warning include Excelsior Springs, Richmond, Orrick, Norborne, Hardin, Henrietta, Crystal Lakes, Sibley, Woods Heights, Rayville, Camden, Fleming, Prathersville and Stet.

Recommended action: Seek shelter

The NWS adds, "Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris."

This warning is in effect until 10:30 p.m.

Tips for staying safe during a tornado

According to the NWS, rapid action is key to staying safe during a tornado. Remain updated about tornado watches and warnings by following local news or a NOAA Weather Radio.

• If you are indoors: When a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room that lacks windows. Take your pets with you if time permits.
• If you are at your workplace or school: Comply with your tornado drill procedures and head to the designated tornado shelter area. Steer clear of windows and avoid large open spaces like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
• If you are outside: If a tornado is on its way, seek shelter inside a solid building immediately. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe places to be.
• 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.

Have you put together an emergency kit for tornado scenarios?

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 May 18, 2026 at 9:55 PM.