Kansas City, Missouri – Drivers across western Missouri could face rapidly changing conditions by the evening commute as the first of multiple storm rounds moves into the Kansas City area.
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City, strong to severe thunderstorms are expected tonight, again Wednesday afternoon into evening, and a third round by Friday. The primary threats include large hail up to 2 to 3.5 inches, damaging wind gusts nearing 70 mph, and a low but notable tornado risk.
The greatest concern tonight centers along the Interstate 70 corridor, including Kansas City, Independence, and Columbia, where storms may develop in clusters and intensify quickly. While uncertainty remains on whether discrete storms fully form, any that do could produce the largest hail and strongest winds.
Additional rounds Wednesday will bring similar threats across much of western and central Missouri, including St. Joseph and areas toward the Iowa border. Repeated rainfall may also lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying and already saturated areas.
Residents should secure outdoor items, avoid flooded roadways, and have multiple ways to receive warnings. With several rounds expected, conditions may worsen quickly, and more advisories are likely through Friday.
