Northeast Kansas faces an increasing threat for severe weather Sunday and Monday, including the potential for large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service in Topeka.
Forecasters have placed much of central and northeast Kansas under an enhanced risk, or level 3 out of 5, for severe storms Sunday. Storms are expected to develop in western Kansas between 5 and 7 p.m. before moving east through the overnight hours. Hazards could include golf ball- to baseball-sized hail, wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, isolated tornadoes and localized flash flooding.
The National Weather Service said confidence is increasing in the types of hazards expected, although some uncertainty remains regarding exactly where storms will develop because of the position of a dryline and atmospheric capping.
A wind advisory is also in effect from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday for much of central, east-central and northeast Kansas. Sustained south winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items and use caution while driving, especially in high-profile vehicles.
The severe weather threat is expected to intensify Monday, when the Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of Kansas under a moderate risk, or level 4 out of 5, for severe storms. The National Weather Service warned that all ingredients appear to be coming together for “very impactful severe weather.”
Monday’s storms could produce hail larger than baseballs, wind gusts between 70 and 80 mph and strong tornadoes, possibly multiple. Flash flooding will also become more likely as repeated rounds of storms move across areas already saturated by weekend rainfall.
Forecasters say storms could begin developing by midafternoon Monday and continue into the overnight hours. Areas north of Interstate 70 may see the greatest flooding concerns due to repeated storm activity.
Stay tuned to News Radio KMAN for the latest updates.
