Residents across southwest Kansas are bracing for a volatile night of severe weather as strong thunderstorms continue to sweep through the region. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. for six counties: Grant, Hamilton, Kearny, Morton, Stanton, and Stevens. The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center warns that the storms are likely to intensify through the evening, with the potential to produce wind gusts exceeding 60 miles per hour and hail up to the size of quarters.
Threats to Residents and Infrastructure
The primary hazards from these storms include damaging winds, large hail, and torrential downpours. Local emergency managers caution that the strongest cells could result in isolated power outages and make road travel hazardous. Wind gusts over 60 mph are capable of downing tree limbs, damaging roofs, and scattering unsecured outdoor objects. Meanwhile, hail of this size poses risks not only to vehicles and crops but also to anyone caught outdoors.
Authorities in Stevens County have already issued reminders for residents to secure outdoor items, such as lawn furniture, grills, and trash bins, which can easily become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Residents are also urged to remain indoors during peak storm activity to avoid injury.
Travel Concerns Along Major Highways
The storms are expected to impact U.S. Highways 56 and 160, both heavily traveled routes in the region. Drivers should be prepared for sudden drops in visibility due to heavy rain, as well as potential debris blown onto the roadways by strong winds. Emergency officials stress that motorists should avoid unnecessary travel during the watch period and exercise extreme caution if they must be on the roads.
Low visibility, slick conditions, and the possibility of hail make driving especially dangerous during severe thunderstorms. Authorities advise pulling over safely if conditions become too hazardous, rather than attempting to push through the storm.
Preparedness and Safety Measures
Emergency managers emphasize several key safety precautions for southwest Kansas residents as the storms progress:
- Stay informed: Monitor weather alerts through local radio, television, or mobile apps.
- Charge devices: Keep phones and tablets fully charged in case of power outages.
- Seek shelter: Move indoors at the first sign of threatening weather, particularly if thunderstorm warnings are issued later tonight.
- Avoid flood-prone areas: Heavy rain may lead to sudden pooling on rural roads and low-lying regions, further complicating travel.
For those in mobile homes or structures vulnerable to high winds, having a plan to move to sturdier shelter is critical. Severe thunderstorms can develop quickly, and officials warn against waiting until conditions worsen to act.
Looking Ahead
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch will remain in place until 11 p.m. Friday, though meteorologists note that additional advisories or warnings may be issued if storms persist into early Saturday morning. While not every community in the six affected counties will experience the strongest storms, all residents are encouraged to remain vigilant until the watch expires.
For now, southwest Kansas residents should plan for a potentially turbulent night, limiting travel, and ensuring they are prepared to act quickly should weather conditions deteriorate further. As always, officials remind the public: “When thunder roars, go indoors.”
