Kansas City, Mo. – More than 60 counties across Missouri and eastern Kansas are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m. Friday as powerful storms capable of producing large hail and damaging winds move into the region.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 507 was issued at 2:20 p.m. CDT, covering areas from St. Joseph to Columbia in Missouri, and including Johnson, Wyandotte, and Leavenworth counties in Kansas. Thunderstorms could bring wind gusts up to 70 mph, isolated hail over an inch in diameter, and frequent lightning.
In Missouri, major population centers such as Kansas City, Independence, and Jefferson City fall within the watch area, along with critical transportation corridors including I-70, I-35, and Highway 63. In Kansas, cities like Olathe, Overland Park, and Leavenworth should prepare for quick-moving storm cells that could develop rapidly into severe conditions.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor objects, avoid unnecessary travel during active storms, and ensure mobile alerts are enabled. Power outages and flash flooding in low-lying areas are possible this evening.
The threat will persist into late evening, with additional warnings possible if storms intensify. Stay tuned to local alerts through 10 p.m. or until the watch is lifted.
