What changes for residents: The National Weather Service has placed parts of the Kansas City metropolitan area under a severe thunderstorm watch through 9 p.m. Friday. The watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms to develop and residents should be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.
Areas covered and main threats
The watch covers counties on both sides of the state line. In Kansas, Johnson and Wyandotte counties are included. In Missouri, the watch affects Clay, Jackson, Lafayette, Platte and Ray counties, according to the National Weather Service.
| Watch type | Effective until | Affected counties |
|---|---|---|
| Severe thunderstorm watch | 9 p.m. Friday | Johnson, Wyandotte (KS); Clay, Jackson, Lafayette, Platte, Ray (MO) |
The forecast from the weather service emphasized uncertainty about the exact timing and intensity of storms. Forecasters said damaging straight-line winds and heavy rainfall are the primary hazards, but they cautioned that hail and tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
Safety steps for residents
- Monitor local forecasts from the National Weather Service and local media for updates and any tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings.
- Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans and other loose objects that can become projectiles in strong winds.
- If you are driving, avoid flooded roadways and be prepared for sudden heavy rainfall that can reduce visibility and increase stopping distances.
- Have a plan to move to a sturdy interior room on the lowest level if a tornado warning is issued.
Local officials and emergency management agencies typically update guidance as conditions change. The storm watch was reported by The Kansas City Star and issued by the National Weather Service.
“Uncertainty remains in the forecast regarding timing and intensity of the storms,” the National Weather Service said.
Residents should consider signing up for local alert systems and having a battery-powered radio or NOAA weather radio in case of power outages. Keep phones charged and follow instructions from city and county emergency management offices if warnings are upgraded.
Further details, including any expansion or cancellation of the watch, will come from the National Weather Service as the situation develops. Stay tuned to News Block for updates affecting your area.
