Topeka, Kansas – Drivers across northern Kansas could encounter intense thunderstorms producing large hail and damaging wind gusts Thursday afternoon into the evening, with the strongest cells targeting communities along the Interstate 70 corridor from Salina to Kansas City.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Slight Risk for severe storms covers much of northern and central Kansas Thursday. Forecasters warn that scattered storms could develop by mid-afternoon and intensify through the evening hours. Some storms may produce hail larger than 2 inches in diameter along with wind gusts strong enough to knock down tree limbs and cause isolated power outages.
Cities including Topeka, Manhattan, Salina, and St. Joseph, Missouri sit within the zone where the strongest storms may develop. Travel along I-70, U.S. Highway 24, and nearby rural routes could quickly become hazardous if hail begins falling or visibility drops in heavy rain.
Emergency managers urge residents to move vehicles under cover if possible and stay weather-aware through Thursday evening. Outdoor plans may need to shift indoors as storms move across the Missouri Valley.
Additional alerts or severe thunderstorm warnings could be issued as storms begin forming Thursday afternoon and continue into the night.
