Wichita, Kansas – Severe storms could rapidly develop after 4 p.m. today, bringing a risk of damaging winds up to 70 mph and large hail that may impact travel and evening plans across central and south-central Kansas.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, thunderstorms will begin forming late this afternoon and increase in coverage through the evening, with the strongest activity expected between 4 p.m. and 1 a.m. A few storms could become severe, producing hail up to the size of golf balls, damaging wind gusts, and locally heavy rainfall.
Cities including Wichita, Hutchinson, Salina, and Winfield sit within the primary risk zone, with highways like I-35 and I-135 potentially seeing sudden downpours and reduced visibility during peak travel hours.
There is also a low but notable risk for a brief tornado, especially with stronger storm cells that develop this evening.
Residents should have multiple ways to receive warnings, avoid unnecessary travel during storms, and secure outdoor items ahead of the evening system.
Storm chances decrease overnight, but another round of strong storms is possible Friday, keeping the region in an active weather pattern.
