Dodge City, Kansas – A large swath of western and central Kansas is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m. MDT Thursday, with damaging winds and large hail posing the biggest threats for residents along Highway 83 and I-70.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, Watch 502 includes 41 counties from Sherman and Cheyenne in the northwest to Clark and Comanche in the south. Cities like Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Colby, and Goodland are all within the risk zone. The storms could bring wind gusts up to 70 mph, quarter-size hail, and brief periods of torrential rain.
Travelers on U.S. 50, U.S. 54, and I-70 should watch for sudden visibility drops and downed branches. Power outages are also possible if storms intensify. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, stay inside during warnings, and have flashlights and charged devices ready.
This is the most widespread severe threat in Kansas this month, with storms developing along a cold front moving east. Additional watches or warnings may follow into the overnight hours if cells persist.
Stay weather-aware: Watches remain in effect until 9 p.m. MDT. Local alerts may follow if storms strengthen.
