MANHATTAN — Our area could use an extended break from severe weather and heavy rains, but the way the current weather pattern is shaping up, it could be an active next few days with strong to severe thunderstorms.
In fact, slight severe weather chances exist now through Saturday for the Manhattan area and a large swath of Kansas. Some areas further south were listed in an enhanced risk for severe storms Thursday evening. A flash flood watch is posted for Riley, Pottawatomie, Geary and Clay counties through Friday morning.
NWS Storm Prediction Center’s convective Day 1 outlook for Thursday, May 23 (as of 2 p.m. Thursday)
NWS Storm Prediction Center Day 2 convective outlook for Friday, May 24 (as of 2 p.m. Thursday)
The primary risk for Thursday includes hail up to 2 inches in diameter, flash flooding, 60 to 70 mph wind gusts and the possibility of tornadoes. Storms are expected to move in from the southwest after 4 p.m. and could linger off and on through the evening. Some storms could produce heavy rains. Much of the same is expected into Friday and Saturday with continued good chances of rain and thunderstorms both days.
FLOOD WARNINGS
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for Wildcat Creek at Manhattan Scenic Drive from Friday morning to Friday evening.
*At 10:15 a.m. Thursday the stage was 4.7 feet. Flood stage is 14 feet. Minor flooding is forecast.
*It’s expected to rise above flood stage by Friday morning and crest to near 14.7 feet by late Friday morning. It is expected to fall below flood stage by late Friday morning.
* Impact…At 14.0 feet…Flood waters reach Poliska Lane, just north of Fort Riley Blvd.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Kansas River at Manhattan. * from late Thursday night until further notice. * At 10:00 AM Thursday the stage was 17.4 feet. * Flood stage is 18.0 feet. * Minor flooding is forecast.
* Forecast…Rise above flood stage by Friday morning and continue to
rise to near 21.1 feet by Sunday morning.
* Impact…Low lands along the river flood.
