Wichita, Kansas – Severe thunderstorms packing damaging winds and large hail are expected across central and western Kansas through midnight, putting nearly 30 counties under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch Thursday evening.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch—active until 12:00 a.m. CDT Friday—covers Barber, Finney, Ford, Pratt, Reno, and 23 additional counties. These storms could produce wind gusts over 60 mph and hail up to two inches in diameter.
Cities including Dodge City, Garden City, and Great Bend are under heightened threat. Drivers along U.S. Routes 54 and 283 should remain alert for sudden low visibility and wind-driven debris. Outdoor activities should be postponed, and residents are urged to secure loose objects and stay indoors.
This system follows a stretch of warmer-than-average April days, increasing instability across the region. While tornado risk remains low, isolated spin-ups are not ruled out along the leading edge of the strongest cells.
The thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 12 a.m., with additional advisories possible depending on how the line of storms evolves. Residents should monitor local alerts and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
