TOPEKA, KS – The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a severe weather outlook for Thursday, April 23, 2026, warning residents of a high probability of storms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.
Storm Timing and Progression
Meteorologists expect storms to develop along a cold front on Thursday afternoon (3 PM – 6 PM) in north-central Kansas. These initial storms are expected to grow into a line and push southeast throughout the evening.
The current projected timeline for the most intense activity is:
- 3 PM – 6 PM: Development in north-central Kansas near Concordia and Marysville.
- 6 PM – 9 PM: Storms move through the Manhattan and Topeka corridors.
- 9 PM – Midnight: The system is expected to reach Kansas City and Emporia before exiting the region around midnight.
Primary Hazards and Severity
Forecasters have placed a large portion of the region under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather. The primary threats identified include:
- Damaging Winds: Gusts between 60-70 MPH are likely as the storms form into a line.
- Large Hail: Stones between 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
- Tornadoes: While hail and wind are the main concerns, officials note the potential for a tornado or two, especially along the leading edge of the storm line.
- Flash Flooding: There is a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 4) for excessive rainfall leading to flash flooding. While the flooding risk is currently low because the storms are expected to move quickly, localized flooding could occur if multiple storms pass over the same area.
Forecast Confidence and Safety
The National Weather Service reports medium to high confidence that the storms will form along the front, though uncertainty remains regarding the exact timing and how long the line will maintain its intensity. Lingering cloud cover throughout Thursday morning could potentially limit the overall severity of the storms.
Residents are urged to remain weather-aware and have multiple ways to receive warning information. Safety recommendations include taking immediate shelter in a sturdy structure if a tornado warning is issued and moving indoors away from windows during high wind or hail events.
