Wichita, Kansas – Severe thunderstorms could slam parts of Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas early Tuesday, bringing large hail, damaging winds, and dangerous lightning through 10 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 186 covers 11 Kansas counties, including Chautauqua, Cherokee, Cowley, and Sumner, as well as portions of southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Strong storms are expected to intensify during the morning commute, prompting warnings for Barton, Jasper, McDonald, and Newton counties in Missouri, along with Benton and Washington counties in Arkansas.
In Kansas, U.S. Route 166 and U.S. 400 corridors may experience rapid weather changes, with power outages possible. Residents in Parsons, Independence, and Arkansas City should be prepared for quick-moving storms that could topple trees and damage rooftops. Missouri drivers on I-49 near Joplin and Neosho are urged to use caution, as reduced visibility and wind gusts over 60 mph are likely.
Emergency officials recommend securing outdoor items, delaying travel if possible, and ensuring mobile devices are fully charged overnight. This line of storms may mark one of the strongest spring events so far for the tri-state region, similar to mid-April 2022 outbreaks.
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 10 a.m., with additional warnings possible if storms strengthen or redevelop later in the day.
