Hey Kansas, get ready for some seriously strong winds over the next couple of days. A High Wind Warning is in effect, and we’re expecting gusts up to 60 MPH to sweep across the state, lasting all the way until Wednesday evening. These winds could cause some real headaches—think power outages, dangerous driving conditions, and flying debris. Here’s the lowdown on what’s coming and how to stay safe.
What to Expect: Hold On Tight, It’s Going to Get Windy
These winds are not messing around. 60 MPH gusts are no joke, and they’re strong enough to cause a few problems. Here’s what could go down:
- Power outages: When winds are this strong, trees and power lines can easily get knocked down. Be ready in case the lights go out—charge your phone now, and keep flashlights and extra batteries on hand. If you’ve lived through one of these storms before, you know it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Travel disruptions: If you need to be out on the roads, be cautious. These winds can make driving tricky, especially if you’re in a truck, RV, or any high-profile vehicle. If you don’t have to be on the road, it’s better to stay home. But if you do need to travel, slow down and make sure you’re giving yourself plenty of space between cars. The gusts can come out of nowhere and throw you off course.
- Flying debris: Anything not tied down could get picked up by the wind—trash cans, patio furniture, tree branches—and turn into a flying hazard. These gusts can be strong enough to send debris flying through the air, damaging property or even injuring people. Take a moment to secure outdoor items like chairs, trash cans, and anything else that’s light enough to get blown away.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Okay, so we know the winds are coming, but there are definitely things you can do to make sure you stay safe and your property stays protected:
- Stay inside if you can. If you don’t need to be out, don’t be. The winds are strong enough to cause serious injuries if you’re outside in them.
- Secure your outdoor items. Go outside and make sure everything that’s loose is either brought inside or tied down. This includes things like lawn furniture, trash cans, and anything that could get tossed around by the wind. It’s better to spend a few minutes now securing things than having to clean up a mess later.
- Prepare for power outages: High winds often bring down power lines. If you live in an area that tends to lose power in storms, charge your devices and have flashlights, batteries, and candles handy. A little bit of preparation now can make all the difference when the lights go out.
- Drive carefully, or don’t drive at all: If you don’t need to be on the road, just stay home. If you must travel, slow down and give yourself plenty of room between you and other cars. These winds can easily push your car around, especially if you’re driving a larger vehicle, so drive cautiously and keep your hands on the wheel at all times.
What’s Coming: The Wind’s Not Letting Up Anytime Soon
So, what are we looking at over the next couple of days? Here’s the scoop:
- Winds will be gusting up to 60 MPH through Wednesday evening. These winds aren’t a quick burst—they’ll be around for a while, so expect the worst during the day. Keep checking in on the weather and stay updated.
- Power outages are likely. If you’re in an area with trees or old infrastructure, be prepared for the possibility of power going out. It’s not a bad idea to make sure your phone is fully charged, just in case.
- Driving conditions are going to be tough, especially if you have to head out on highways or open roads. The wind gusts will make it difficult to keep your vehicle steady, so take it slow if you must drive.
- Flying debris will pose a risk, so it’s essential to secure anything outside before it gets picked up by the wind. That way, you won’t have to worry about things like trash cans or lawn chairs being blown across the yard—or worse, into the street.
How to Get Through This Storm Safely
Kansas, don’t panic—but do take this seriously. You can get through this if you take the right steps to prepare. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay inside as much as possible. The winds are strong enough to cause injuries, so don’t risk it if you don’t have to go out.
- Secure your outdoor items now before they end up in your neighbor’s yard—or worse, cause damage to your property.
- Prepare for power outages. Charge your phone, get out flashlights, and make sure you have candles, snacks, and anything else you might need if the power goes out.
- Don’t drive unless you really need to. If you must be out on the road, slow down, give yourself extra space, and keep both hands on the wheel.
