News Summary
Overnight thunderstorms impacted the Kansas City region, causing localized flash flooding and issuing a tornado watch until 11 p.m. Various counties, including parts of Ray and Clay, are currently under flood warnings. Rainfall totals have reached as high as 4.17 inches in specific locations. Isolated showers and potential storms are forecasted to linger into Tuesday, but the worst of the weather is expected to clear by afternoon. Residents are advised to prepare for severe conditions, including hail and potential tornadoes.
Kansas City
Powerful thunderstorms struck the Kansas City area overnight, leading to localized flash flooding and a tornado watch effective until 11 p.m. Several counties, including parts of Ray and Clay, remain under a flood warning, while the Fishing River near Mosby is experiencing minor flooding.
The National Weather Service reported rainfall estimates across the metro ranging from one to four inches. Notable rainfall totals included 4.17 inches at West 69th Street at Turkey Creek in Merriam, 3.67 inches at West 67th and Caenen Street in Shawnee, and 3.63 inches at West 199th Street and Clare Road in Spring Hill. Additionally, North Kansas City recorded significant rainfall at Northwest 108th Street and the east and west branches of Second Creek.
As the severe weather continues, isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to linger on Tuesday morning. However, the worst of the storms is anticipated to exit the area by afternoon, bringing cooler temperatures in their wake. The local forecast indicates daily highs will reach the upper 60s to lower 70s, with overnight lows dropping to the upper 40s. Typically, Kansas City enjoys daytime temperatures around 76 degrees and nighttime lows around 56 degrees at this time of year.
Looking ahead, there remains a chance of isolated showers on Wednesday and Thursday, with better chances for storms expected along the Iowa border. As the week progresses, widespread rain showers and thunderstorms are forecasted to return on Friday, continuing into Saturday. If the weather system shifts northward, stronger storms could develop, but initial models suggest they will primarily stay south of Interstate 70.
The tornado watch currently issued affects over 4.8 million residents in parts of Kansas and Missouri, including the Kansas City metro area. Severe thunderstorms are predicted to develop in eastern Kansas and move into Missouri by mid-afternoon, fueled by unstable atmospheric conditions due to clearing skies. The storms pose a risk of larger hail—between 2 to 3 inches in diameter—and strong tornadoes.
Residents are reminded that a tornado watch signifies the possibility of tornado developments, while a tornado warning indicates an imminent or occurring tornado, requiring immediate shelter. Monday was designated as a First Alert Weather Alert Day for Kansas City, anticipating two rounds of severe weather. The first round is projected between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a second round expected to follow after 7 p.m. and before 11 p.m. All varieties of severe weather—large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes—are possible during these timeframes.
In light of these severe weather conditions, residents are urged to prepare for the worst-case scenarios and review their safety and communication plans to ensure they can respond quickly should severe weather warnings arise.
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Additional Resources
- KMBC: Kansas City Severe Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- Kansas City Star: Weather News
- Google Search: Kansas City weather
- KSHB: Severe Thunderstorms Possible
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Kansas City
- Fox 4 KC: Tornado Watch Issued
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- KMBC: Monday Noon Forecast
