Wichita, Kansas – Drivers and residents southeast of the Kansas Turnpike should prepare for isolated thunderstorms bringing heavy rain and occasional lightning until at least 7 p.m. Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, scattered showers and storms have developed along and east of the Turnpike, impacting communities from Emporia to Coffeyville. The strongest cells may deliver brief but moderate to heavy rainfall and frequent lightning, particularly in cities like Wichita, Eureka, and Chanute. The threat is expected to persist through the early evening, making outdoor plans risky and raising concerns about slick roads and sudden downpours.
Travelers on the Kansas Turnpike and highways in Butler, Greenwood, and Montgomery counties should reduce speeds on wet pavement and be alert for sudden visibility drops. Lightning could disrupt outdoor activities and may briefly impact power in localized areas. Emergency managers recommend charging mobile devices, monitoring weather updates, and moving indoors if thunder is heard.
This pattern follows a typical July surge of summer moisture across southeast Kansas, with most activity expected to diminish after sunset. However, more isolated showers or storms could redevelop later tonight.
Warnings remain in effect until 7 p.m., with additional updates possible if storms intensify.
