Dodge City, Kan. – A powerful round of severe storms is expected to strike southwest Kansas between 7 and 11 p.m. Friday, bringing a renewed threat of tornadoes, damaging hail, high winds, and flash flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, the highest risk zone stretches from Liberal to Ulysses and up toward Scott City, where atmospheric conditions are primed for isolated tornado development. Forecasters say this setup mirrors Thursday night’s event but may peak slightly later in the evening.
Communities in Seward, Grant, and Haskell counties sit squarely in the “highest local risk” zone, with damaging wind gusts over 60 mph and large hail up to golf ball size possible. Storms may also produce heavy rainfall in short bursts, raising the risk of flash flooding along U.S. Highway 83 and near low-lying rural roads. Emergency managers advise residents to avoid non-essential travel after dark and have multiple ways to receive warnings.
This system follows several days of active weather across western Kansas, which has already seen saturated soils and scattered infrastructure damage. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, charge mobile devices, and shelter indoors if warnings are issued.
Additional watches or warnings may be issued as storms develop. Stay alert through the evening hours.
