Wichita, Kan. – Thunderstorms are set to sweep across Kansas late tonight and persist through Friday evening, bringing widespread rain and a risk of small hail. Wichita, Hutchinson, and Emporia face the greatest chance for severe impacts as moisture pushes east overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, storms will begin after midnight and continue until about 8 p.m. Friday. Pockets of heavy rainfall are expected across much of central and eastern Kansas, with a few isolated cells capable of producing hail up to the size of nickels. Rain chances are highest in Wichita at 84%, Hutchinson and Pratt at 81%, and Emporia at 81%.
Drivers along I-35 from Wichita to Emporia and U.S. 54 through Pratt should be alert for reduced visibility and ponding water during the Friday morning commute. Isolated hail could also cause minor vehicle damage. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid driving through flooded roads and to secure outdoor items that could be damaged by hail.
Showers are expected to taper Friday evening, but another round of unsettled weather may develop over the weekend.
