Severe weather is set to impact Central and Eastern Kansas tonight, with significant risks including damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
As of this evening, the Kirksville Police Department (KPD) is urging residents to stay alert and prepared for possible storms.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Storm Track 3 forecast for tonight and into tomorrow.
Key Weather Alerts and Warnings
- Tornado Watch: A Tornado Watch is in effect until midnight for Cowley, Sumner, Elk, Chautauqua, and Harper counties in Kansas, along with Kay County in Oklahoma.
- Enhanced Risk for Severe Weather: Tonight, the region is under an Enhanced Risk for severe storms, meaning numerous storms are expected, some of which will be severe, potentially reaching tornado-producing levels.
- Wind Advisory: Strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 50 MPH, are expected in various parts of the region, prompting a Wind Advisory.
- Fire Weather Warning: In Western Kansas, a Fire Weather Warning is in effect due to dry conditions and high winds, increasing the risk of grassfires.
Forecasted Storm Development and Timing
The weather conditions will worsen after 6 PM as Southcentral Kansas and Northcentral Oklahoma see the development of supercells.
These isolated, severe thunderstorms will likely bring large hail, damaging winds, and even tornadoes between 6 PM and 10 PM.
| Forecast Detail | Expected Timing | Expected Weather |
|---|---|---|
| Supercell Development | 6 PM to 10 PM | Large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes |
| Damaging Winds and Hail | 10 PM to Midnight | Winds gusting up to 50 MPH, hail likely |
| Tornado Threat | Ongoing until Midnight | Tornadoes possible along the storm’s leading edge |
After this time, storms will evolve into a line of damaging winds and hail, sweeping across the region. The tornado threat is expected to diminish as the storms transition into a line, but it will remain a possibility along the leading edge of the system.
The line of storms will move east, likely exiting the region by dawn on Wednesday.
How to Prepare for Tonight’s Storms
Residents in the affected areas should take steps to stay safe during the severe weather:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather updates via Storm Track 3 and local news.
- Have Multiple Warning Sources: Use weather apps, a battery-powered weather radio, and television broadcasts to stay alert to any warnings.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or secure loose items outside that could become dangerous in high winds.
- Take Shelter: If a tornado warning is issued, immediately take shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of your home, away from windows.
Weather Outlook Beyond Tonight
After tonight’s storm system moves through, the weather will remain active, but less severe. Wednesday night will bring rain showers, but no severe conditions are expected. The extended forecast includes:
- Thursday: Breezy with temperatures reaching 62°F and a 30% chance of showers.
- Friday: 59°F, mostly cloudy, and windy with 60% chances of rain.
- Saturday: Cool temperatures around 50°F with a 50% chance of rain.
- Sunday: A breezy day, partly cloudy, with cooler temperatures and a 10% chance of rain.
Practical Tips to Stay Safe
- Have an Emergency Kit: Ensure your emergency kit contains essentials such as flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and important documents.
- Check Your Roof and Windows: Before the storms hit, inspect your home for any loose shingles or windows that could be broken by flying debris.
- Avoid Travel During Severe Weather: If you need to be on the road, drive with extreme caution, as wind gusts and hail can create dangerous driving conditions.
Tonight’s Storm Track 3 forecast brings the possibility of damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes to Central and Eastern Kansas, as well as parts of Oklahoma.
Residents should be prepared for severe weather and stay informed through multiple warning sources. With Wind Advisories and Fire Weather Warnings in effect, it’s crucial to take safety precautions.
Although the storm system will move out by Wednesday, additional rain is expected, but with no severe conditions forecasted. Stay safe and prepared as the weather unfolds tonight.