Kansas City, Missouri – Drivers across four states could face sudden road shutdowns and dangerous crosswinds within the next few hours as severe storms build rapidly toward the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. CDT Friday for large portions of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and North Texas. The agency warns a couple of tornadoes are possible, along with hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter and wind gusts reaching 70 mph.
In Kansas, storms are expected to intensify near Wichita and push northeast toward Kansas City, threatening I-35 and I-70 corridors with reduced visibility and debris. In Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Enid could see fast-moving cells capable of producing damaging winds that may down power lines and impact nearly 7 million residents in the watch area.
Farther south, Lawton and Wichita Falls sit in a zone where hail and sudden wind shifts could disrupt travel along I-44 and US-277. In southwest Missouri, Joplin and Springfield may experience brief but intense storm bursts during peak evening hours.
Residents should secure outdoor items, charge devices, and avoid non-essential travel during warnings. Storm intensity may fluctuate, but additional alerts or warnings could be issued quickly through Friday night.
