Tornado Watch Issued for Central and Eastern Kansas, and Western and Northern Missouri

Strategic Insights -

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for a large area in the central and eastern United States, including parts of Kansas and Missouri, with a high risk of tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. The watch is effective from 5:20 PM CDT to 11:00 PM CDT on Friday, June 28, 2024.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center has issued the watch, citing the potential for isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms to develop into the evening. A few supercells are possible, and the risk for large to very large hail (1 to 2.5 inches in diameter) and a threat for a couple of tornadoes will likely peak during the early to mid-evening. The watch area includes a large region spanning from eastern Kansas to western and northern Missouri.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Tornado Watch Number 480 has been issued for central and eastern Kansas, and western and northern Missouri, effective from 5:20 PM CDT to 11:00 PM CDT on Friday, June 28, 2024.
  • A few supercells are possible, with a risk for large to very large hail (1 to 2.5 inches in diameter) and a threat for a couple of tornadoes.
  • The watch area includes a large region spanning from eastern Kansas to western and northern Missouri, covering an area of approximately 60 statute miles north and south of a line from 35 miles east of Chillicothe, MO to 40 miles west southwest of Manhattan, KS.
  • The tornado watch is a sign that conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area, and persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
  • A few cumplonimbus clouds with maximum tops to 550 MP are expected, accompanied by extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 65 knots.

Statistics:

  • 60 statute miles north and south of a line from 35 miles east of Chillicothe, MO to 40 miles west southwest of Manhattan, KS.
  • 5:20 PM CDT to 11:00 PM CDT - the duration of the Tornado Watch Number 480.
  • 1 to 2.5 inches - the diameter of large to very large hail predicted.
  • 60-75 mph - the potential for severe gusts of wind.
  • 550 MP - the maximum tops of cumulonimbus clouds expected.
  • 65 knots - the surface wind gusts expected.

Sources:

  • NWS Storm Prediction Center (https://www.spc.noaa.gov/)
  • US National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/)
  • Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.