Wichita, Kansas – Severe thunderstorms are expected to rapidly intensify this evening, with large hail and damaging winds likely to disrupt travel across central Kansas and into northern Oklahoma between 6 p.m. and midnight.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a volatile setup will support supercell development across central and eastern Kansas, where the greatest risk for tornadoes and very large hail will occur after sunset. The highest threat zone includes Wichita, Hutchinson, Salina, and extends northeast toward Topeka and Kansas City.
Storms may produce hail between 2 and 3 inches in diameter—large enough to shatter windshields—and wind gusts up to 70 mph capable of downing trees and power lines. A conditional tornado threat also exists, especially along and north of the Kansas Turnpike (I-35) and along I-70. In Oklahoma, Oklahoma City could see storms after 9 p.m., with impacts spreading south toward Norman and Lawton.
Drivers should avoid travel during peak storm hours, especially along US-54, I-35, and I-70, where sudden visibility drops and debris could create hazardous conditions. Secure outdoor items and ensure mobile devices are fully charged in case of outages.
The severe threat will continue overnight as storms track east into Missouri. Additional warnings are likely as storm development becomes more certain later this evening.
