Garden City, Kan. – A tornado watch is in effect for 18 counties across western Kansas until 10 p.m. Wednesday, with storms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes areas from Cheyenne to Meade counties, including cities like Garden City, Ulysses, and Scott City. Thunderstorms are expected to intensify late this afternoon, with peak severe weather risk between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Counties under the watch include Finney, Seward, Gray, Haskell, Grant, and Stanton, where residents should stay weather-aware and be ready to seek shelter. Travel along U.S. Routes 83, 50, and 160 could be impacted by sudden wind shifts or debris. Emergency managers recommend charging phones, securing outdoor items, and having a tornado-safe space ready.
This is part of a broader severe weather setup across the Central Plains. Conditions are similar to outbreaks seen in late May 2022, when multiple tornadoes touched down in the region.
Warnings remain possible through the evening, and additional updates are likely as storms evolve.
