The National Weather Service in National Weather Service Topeka is warning of a significant severe weather outbreak across portions of Kansas on Monday afternoon and evening, with meteorologists expressing high confidence in dangerous storms capable of producing tornadoes, very large hail, damaging winds and flash flooding.
During a severe weather webinar Monday morning, NWS Topeka meteorologist Sarah Teefey said storms are expected to rapidly develop across central and north-central Kansas between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. before intensifying quickly.
Forecasters said all severe weather hazards will be possible, including tornadoes, giant hail and destructive straight-line winds. The agency also warned that the flooding threat has increased following overnight rainfall across the region.
According to the briefing, initial storms are expected to begin as discrete supercells capable of producing all modes of severe weather. As the evening progresses, storms are forecast to organize into a line and move east-southeast across the area, continuing the threat for tornadoes, hail and damaging winds while increasing the potential for flash flooding.
The National Weather Service noted that a Flood Watch is already in effect due to saturated ground conditions and the possibility of additional heavy rainfall. Officials warned that both flash flooding and river flooding could develop as storms repeatedly move over the same locations.
The Storm Prediction Center outlook highlighted the potential for very large hail greater than 3.5 inches in diameter, tornadoes up to EF3 intensity and wind gusts reaching 75 to 80 mph. The highest tornado risk was centered within the red shaded risk area outlined in the briefing materials.
Forecasters said the severe weather threat is expected to continue through the evening hours, with storms transitioning to primarily a wind and flooding threat later tonight. Residents are encouraged to closely monitor forecasts, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and be prepared to take shelter quickly if warnings are issued.
The National Weather Service in Topeka urged the public to remain weather aware throughout the day as conditions are expected to evolve rapidly.
