Update: Quarter-sized hail possible - tornado warning issued for Clay and Jackson counties

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At 1:46 a.m. on Monday, the National Weather Service released an updated tornado warning in effect until 2:15 a.m. for Clay and Jackson counties.

Quarter-sized hail (1 inch) is forecast with the incoming storm.

"At 1:46 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Sugar Creek, moving southeast at 20 mph," states 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 Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Raytown, North Kansas City, Sugar Creek, Avondale, Kansas City Downtown, Birmingham and Randolph. This includes the following highways: Interstate 70 in Missouri between mile markers 2 and 18. Interstate 35 in Missouri between mile markers 3 and 6. Interstate 470 between mile markers 14 and 16. Interstate 435 between mile markers 53 and 65.

Recommended action: Seek shelter

The NWS comments, "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 2:15 a.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: 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 and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as 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: It is not safe to remain in a vehicle when a tornado strikes. The most appropriate action is to drive to the closest shelter available. If unable to reach a secure shelter, either crouch down in your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.

Is your emergency kit prepared 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 June 1, 2026 at 1:41 AM.