Dodge City, Kansas – Review your severe weather safety plan before 8 p.m. Thursday as thunderstorms could develop near the U.S. 50 and U.S. 283 corridors, bringing the potential for hail and damaging wind through the overnight hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, southwest Kansas is under a Level 1 out of 5 severe storm risk Thursday night. While widespread severe weather is not expected, isolated storms could become strong, particularly from Liberal and Garden City east toward Dodge City and Medicine Lodge.
The primary concerns include wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail near or around 1 inch in diameter, large enough to damage vehicles and early spring vegetation. Storms are most likely to organize after 8 p.m., with activity potentially continuing past midnight along U.S. 54, U.S. 400 and surrounding highways.
Drivers traveling Thursday night should be alert for sudden wind shifts and brief heavy rain that could reduce visibility along open stretches of U.S. 50 and U.S. 283. Secure outdoor equipment, park vehicles in garages if available and ensure weather alerts are enabled on mobile devices before heading to bed.
The exact placement and timing of storms remains uncertain, and not all communities will see severe conditions. Additional statements or warnings could be issued Thursday evening if storms intensify. The threat is expected to shift east early Friday morning as the system exits southwest Kansas.
