Wichita, Kansas – Drivers along I-35 and I-135 could face sudden 60 mph wind gusts and large hail after 4 p.m. Friday as strong thunderstorms rapidly develop across central and south-central Kansas, threatening the evening commute within hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, additional storms are expected to form late Friday afternoon and continue into Friday night. Forecasters warn that hazards may include large hail, damaging wind gusts and the potential for a couple of tornadoes. Heavy rainfall may also accompany stronger cells, reducing visibility and causing quick ponding on roads.
The greatest concern stretches from Hutchinson and Salina south through Wichita, Winfield and toward the Oklahoma border. Communities along US-54, US-81 and the Kansas Turnpike sit in an area where storms could intensify before sunset. Wind gusts near 60 mph can down tree limbs and power lines, leading to isolated outages, especially in neighborhoods with older trees.
Large hail could dent vehicles and damage roofs, particularly where storms remain discrete and rotate. If a tornado warning is issued, residents should move immediately to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
Motorists should avoid unnecessary travel during active warnings and never attempt to drive through water-covered roadways. Ensure weather alerts are enabled on mobile devices and have multiple ways to receive warnings Friday evening, as additional watches or warnings may be issued with little lead time.
