Wichita, Kansas – Strong thunderstorms capable of damaging wind and dangerous lightning could sweep across parts of south-central Kansas overnight, placing several counties including the Wichita metro under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until early Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 14 remains in effect until 4 a.m. CST Friday for eight counties in the region. Areas included in the watch are Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, Reno, and Sumner counties, covering major communities such as Wichita, Hutchinson, El Dorado, Newton, and Arkansas City.
Storms developing across the region could produce damaging wind gusts over 60 mph and frequent lightning, with the strongest cells capable of downing tree limbs or causing isolated power outages overnight. Travel on major routes including Interstate 35, U.S. 54, and Kansas Turnpike corridors could become hazardous if storms move directly over the Wichita metro.
Emergency officials advise residents to secure outdoor items and remain weather aware overnight. Those who hear thunder should move indoors immediately and monitor local alerts for possible warnings if storms intensify.
The watch remains active until 4 a.m. Friday, and additional warnings could be issued if severe thunderstorms develop across south-central Kansas.
