Wichita, Kansas – Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across Central and South Central Kansas today, with Wichita and nearby cities facing the greatest risk of golf ball-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, the most intense storms are likely this afternoon and evening, primarily west of I-135. Storms could bring damaging hail, sudden downpours, and locally hazardous travel conditions, especially in areas from Salina to McPherson and Newton. The threat extends across Barton, Rice, Marion, and Sumner counties, with the chance of storms continuing into Thursday night.
City crews and emergency managers are urging residents to secure loose outdoor items and park vehicles in garages if possible. Those driving along major routes—including I-135, US-50, and US-81—should be prepared for rapidly changing weather and reduced visibility. Lightning and heavy rain may also lead to brief power outages or minor street flooding in low-lying neighborhoods.
Additional rounds of thunderstorms are possible through Friday and into the weekend, with periods of locally heavy rainfall. Residents should monitor local alerts and have multiple ways to receive warnings. More advisories and updates are expected as the active weather pattern continues through early next week.
