Manhattan, Kan. – A severe thunderstorm watch covers much of western, central, and northern Kansas until 4 a.m. Sunday, with the potential for damaging winds and large hail impacting travel and utilities. The National Weather Service says storms could develop rapidly overnight, producing gusts above 60 mph and hail up to quarter size.
According to the NWS Storm Prediction Center, 33 counties are under the watch, including Riley, Pottawatomie, Ellis, Finney, and Nemaha. Residents in cities such as Manhattan, Hays, Concordia, and Garden City should prepare for sudden downpours, lightning, and possible power outages. Drivers on I-70, U.S. 36, and other major routes could encounter reduced visibility and debris on the road.
The Kansas Highway Patrol advises avoiding unnecessary travel during the most intense storms and securing outdoor objects that could become projectiles in high winds. People are urged to keep phones charged and have flashlights on hand in case of outages.
The watch remains in effect through early Sunday morning, and additional warnings could be issued if storm intensity increases.
