Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in USA Today

The National Weather Services in USA has announced severe thunderstorm warnings in several regions including Kansas, Missouri, and some other states. It has started masses to panic and start preparing for these harsh conditions.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS IN KANSAS

Tornado Warning has been lifted for south central Atchison County in northeastern Kansas. A severe storm with the potential to produce a tornado was spotted near Valley Falls at approximately 10:00 p.m. Wednesday.

Severe thunderstorms continue to affect the Kansas City metro Wednesday night. Most of the metro was under a severe thunderstorm warning until 9:30 in the evening. The storms produced marble-to-half-dollar size hail in some areas and up to 60 mph winds. Roof, siding, window and vehicle damage is expected. The Kansas City area is also under a Tornado Watch for Wednesday night.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS IN MISSOURI

On Wednesday night, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning in the Topeka area and moving north, while a severe thunderstorm warning was issued northeast of the Kansas City, Missouri area.

“Gorilla Hail” is a term that has been used by storm chaser Reed Timmer to describe hail that could be as large as a baseball in some areas, according to AccuWeather’s senior meteorologist.

Hail is especially damaging to cars, so it’s a good idea to park them under cover.

Heavy rain is also possible along the same corridor, with the National Weather Service warning of a risk of flash flooding in some areas.

As the storm moves east by Thursday, the hail threat is expected to diminish, though heavy rain and gusty winds are still possible from northeast Texas to central Missouri, according to the National Weather Service.

On Friday, the rain is expected to be heaviest in a line stretching from central Louisiana to central Arkansas, with an estimated 4- to 10 inches (10-cm) of rain.

A Tornado Watch is in effect until 1:00 AM in the following counties in Missouri:

• Andrew
• Buchanan
• Caldwell
• Carroll
• Cass
• Chariton
• Clay
• Clinton
• Cooper
• Daviess
• DeKalb
• Holt
• Howard
• Jackson
• Johnson
• Lafayette
• Linn
• Livingston
• Macon
• Pettis
• Platte
• Randolph
• Ray
• Saline

A Tornado Watch is in effect until 1:00 AM in the following counties In Kansas:

• Atchison
• Doniphan
• Johnson
• Leavenworth
• Miami
• Wyandotte.

FUTURE WEATHER THIS WEEK

The main threat with these storms is large hail, while strong winds and scattered tornadoes are less of a concern. However, flash flooding will be a concern as new storms may develop off of existing storms, bringing heavy rain with them.

More rain and scattered storms are possible on Thursday before a front passes through the afternoon. Calm and cooler weather is expected through the weekend.

HOW TO SURVIVE THESE SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS

Residents are advised to follow this advice to protect themselves and their loved ones in these harsh conditions:

• Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and stay up to date on watches and warnings with local news and NOAA Weather Radio.
• Be aware of how your community sounds the alarm, whether it’s a siren or a smartphone.
• Create an emergency contact list and share it with your loved ones.
• Do drills to make sure everyone understands what to do in case of bad weather.
• Before the storm hits, trim trees, secure loose debris, and seal windows and doors.
• You can also encourage others to get CPR training so that they can help if they are injured in bad weather.
• Protect yourself and your property by taking all necessary precautions.