Tornado watch affecting the Kansas City area until Wednesday night

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On Wednesday at 2:14 p.m. the National Weather Service released a tornado watch in effect until 9 p.m. The watch is for Johnson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Clay, Jackson, Platte, Atchison, Doniphan, Adair, Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Lafayette, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Nodaway, Putnam, Randolph, Ray, Saline, Schuyler, Sullivan and Worth counties.

This watch is in effect until 9 p.m.

Ways to protect yourself during a tornado

According to the NWS, acting quickly is key to staying safe during a tornado. Continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings.

• If you are indoors: During a tornado warning, go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room without windows. If time allows, bring your pets.
• 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: In the event of an approaching tornado, seek immediate refuge 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 June 10, 2026 at 2:17 PM.