KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It’s been a relatively quiet severe weather season so far — in fact, even Oklahoma, in the heart of Tornado Alley, is on track to set a record low benchmark this season.
As one of the first rounds of severe weather approaches the Kansas City metro area, being prepared with information and safety plans can help lessen the fear some may feel about the storms.
Here are five things you need to know about this evening’s severe weather potential:
1. There is a moderate risk of severe weather for most of the viewing area including the Kansas City metro. An enhanced risk of severe storms includes Trenton, Marshall & Sedalia.
2. After morning showers, it will become warm, humid, breezy, and cloudy. This afternoon a few breaks in the clouds can’t be ruled out. This will cause the atmosphere to become unstable.
3. Storms will form in central Kansas first and then move into to the metro area. The sweet spot for storms looks to be after 6 p.m. for northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. It will move into the metro area between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
4. ALL severe weather threats are on the table. Damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes are possible, especially in the areas of moderate risk. Flash flooding is also possible in areas where heavy rain falls at a fast pace.
5. Storms will last into the overnight hours and into early Thursday morning. Be sure to have several ways to receive weather information, especially during the overnight hours. Those could include:
- Listening to a weather radio. It will work even if your power goes out.
- Listening for tornado sirens. They're meant to be heard outside, so don't rely solely on them to notify you of danger, but do take cover if you hear one.
- Tuning in to 41 Action News. We will be on the air if anyone in the metro area is at risk.
- Downloading the 41 Action News app for the most up-to-date, most accurate forecast, live streaming, and radar.
RELATED: Surviving the Storm - Spring 2018 Weather Special
Storms aren't expected to arrive until later on this evening so you still have time to prepare. Even if your area does not see the "big" storms its still a great idea to have a emergency kit ready to go.
Here are a few tips from @fema #kswx #mowx pic.twitter.com/B77S0Oczdb
— Nicole Phillips (@NicolePhilli) May 2, 2018
