Fort Scott, Kan. – Residents in southeast Kansas should stay weather-aware this afternoon as a Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. CDT Sunday for Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, and Linn counties.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch was issued at noon Sunday amid increasing instability and severe thunderstorm development across eastern Kansas. Conditions are favorable for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail through the evening hours.
Communities in Fort Scott, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, and Columbus should monitor local warnings and be ready to seek shelter. Outdoor activities should be postponed, and those living in mobile homes or flood-prone areas should have an alternate safety plan in place.
Storms are expected to move rapidly, with the greatest tornado potential occurring between 3 and 6 p.m., especially along the U.S. 69 and U.S. 400 corridors. Local emergency management officials urge residents to have multiple ways to receive alerts and to keep phones charged.
Additional watches or warnings may be issued later today as storms intensify. Residents should stay tuned to local media and NOAA Weather Radio for updates through the evening.
