Dodge City, Kansas – Drivers and residents across south-central Kansas and northwest Oklahoma face a high-impact evening as severe storms roll through with the potential for 70 mph winds and hail the size of tennis balls.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 1 a.m. CDT Thursday for areas including Dodge City, Pratt, Woodward, and Enid. Scattered storms may intensify and organize into a squall line, heightening the threat of damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes.
Communities along U.S. Highways 54 and 64 could see rapid weather changes this evening. Large hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter is likely, especially as storms track southeast from western Kansas. Outdoor activities should be postponed, and vehicles should be sheltered where possible.
The watch area spans roughly 60 miles east and west of a line from Dodge City to southwest of Enid. If you’re in this region, secure outdoor items, charge mobile devices, and be ready to seek shelter if warnings are issued.
Thunderstorm activity is expected to taper off by early Thursday, but additional watches may be issued overnight depending on storm evolution.
