Dodge City, Kansas – Today is Sunday, and a High Wind Watch has been issued for parts of southwest Kansas for Tuesday afternoon.
According to the US National Weather Service in Dodge City, strong west to southwest winds of 30 to 40 mph are forecast, with gusts reaching 60 mph across much of the watch area. Peak wind gusts could approach 65 mph in extreme southwest Kansas.
Communities included in the watch area include Scott City, Garden City, Lakin, Syracuse, Ulysses, Liberal and Elkhart. Major travel corridors affected could include U.S. Highway 83, U.S. Highway 50, U.S. Highway 54 and K-96.
Wind gusts of this magnitude may make travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles traveling along open stretches of highway. Blowing dust could also reduce visibility in rural areas.
The High Wind Watch means conditions are favorable for dangerous winds to develop Tuesday afternoon. Additional updates or possible upgrades to a warning are expected as the event approaches.
Motorists, including freight drivers and agricultural operators, should monitor forecast updates and prepare for potentially hazardous crosswinds.
Schools, outdoor workers and commuters along U.S. 83 and U.S. 50 may experience impacts during peak afternoon hours if stronger gusts materialize.
Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor objects ahead of Tuesday’s wind event.
