Update: Penny-sized hail foreseen with thunderstorms in the Kansas City area

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At 4:18 a.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 4:45 a.m. The warning is for Johnson, Clay, Jackson, Miami and Cass counties.

The storms are packing penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

"At 4:18 a.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Missouri City to near Peculiar, moving east at 20 mph," according to the NWS. "Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees."

Locations impacted by the warning include Kansas City, Overland Park, Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Leawood, Raytown, Grandview, Belton, Prairie Village, Raymore, Grain Valley, Harrisonville, Pleasant Hill, Greenwood, Peculiar, North Kansas City, Mission Hills, Sugar Creek and Buckner. This includes the following highways: Interstate 70 in Missouri between mile markers 2 and 28. Interstate 35 in Missouri between mile markers 1 and 5. Interstate 470 between mile markers 0 and 16. Interstate 435 between mile markers 57 and 77. Interstate 49 between mile markers 164 and 183.

The NWS states, "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building."

This warning is in effect until 4:45 a.m.

How to react when facing a lightning hazard?

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 tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm:

• To decrease the risk of getting struck by lightning, when you go outside, establish a plan to reach a safer place.
• If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
• Once inside, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back outside.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

• Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.
• 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.
• If you are camping in an open setting, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low spot. Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.
• Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity.

Rainy weather driving tips

• Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
• While on the road - Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground. Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.
• Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
• Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
• Steer clear of flooded areas - When coming to a flooded road, turn around and head back. Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also 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 primarily caused by 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 July 9, 2026 at 3:17 AM.