Update: Thunderstorms with quarter-sized hail and damaging winds in the Kansas City area Saturday

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An updated severe thunderstorm warning was released by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 9:20 p.m. in effect until 9:45 p.m. The warning is for Clay, Jackson, Cass, Johnson and Lafayette counties.

The storms may bring quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 70 mph.

"At 9:19 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Levasy to 6 miles northeast of Lone Jack to near Baldwin Park to near Lake Annette, moving east at 45 mph," adds the NWS. "Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings."

Locations impacted by the warning include Independence, Blue Springs, Raymore, Grain Valley, Harrisonville, Pleasant Hill, Oak Grove, Odessa, Greenwood, Higginsville, Lexington, Peculiar, Buckner, Holden, Lake Lotawana, Lake Winnebago, Lone Jack, Wellington, Sibley and East Lynne. This includes the following highways: Interstate 70 in Missouri between mile markers 20 and 49. Interstate 49 between mile markers 165 and 170.

The NWS states, "A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. for west central Missouri. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building."

This warning is in effect until 9:45 p.m.

Actions to take when lightning threat is imminent

Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.

Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm:

• To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
• If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
• Once inside, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

• Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.
• 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.
• When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.
• Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.

Rainy weather driving tips

• Turn on headlights - Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
• While on the road - Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground. Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.
• Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
• Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
• Avoid flooded areas - When encountering a flooded road, do a U-turn and head back. The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also negatively affect 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 most commonly attributed to 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 June 13, 2026 at 7:33 PM.