A Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) tornado watch has been issued for portions of northeast Kansas and southeast Nebraska as forecasters warn of the likelihood of multiple tornadoes, including the potential for a few strong or intense tornadoes Monday afternoon and evening.
The watch, issued at 12:50 p.m. Monday by the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, remains in effect until 8 p.m. CDT and includes a large portion of northeast Kansas extending into southeast Nebraska.
Forecasters say rapid supercell thunderstorm development is expected over north-central Kansas, with storms moving northeast through the afternoon and evening across the watch area. Atmospheric conditions, including strong instability and wind shear, are expected to support severe thunderstorms capable of producing dangerous weather.
The primary threats listed in the watch include several tornadoes, with the potential for a few intense tornadoes. Large hail is also expected, with isolated hailstones reaching up to 3 inches in diameter. Damaging straight-line winds with gusts up to 70 mph are also likely.
“This is a particularly dangerous situation,” the watch states, a designation used sparingly by meteorologists to indicate heightened confidence in significant severe weather capable of producing life-threatening impacts.
The tornado watch area stretches roughly along a corridor from about 45 miles west of Salina, Kansas, to just east-southeast of Falls City, Nebraska, extending approximately 40 miles north and south of that line.
Emergency officials are urging residents across the watch area to remain weather aware throughout the afternoon and evening, monitor forecasts, and be prepared to seek shelter quickly if warnings are issued.
Meteorologists emphasize that a tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to develop. Residents should remain alert for threatening weather and stay tuned for updated statements, watches, or warnings.
Aviation interests may also be impacted, with forecasters warning of severe turbulence, hail up to 3 inches in diameter, and wind gusts approaching 60 knots associated with strong thunderstorms.
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