Grab your hats, Wichita! The wind is about to get seriously wild, with gusts hitting up to 50 MPH through Wednesday morning. A Wind Advisory is in effect, so if you’ve got any plans over the next 24 hours, you’ll want to read on. From how to stay safe while driving to keeping your outdoor stuff from blowing away, here’s everything you need to know about the winds headed your way.
What’s Going to Happen:
The winds are already picking up, and they’re not showing signs of slowing down anytime soon. Wichita will be hit hardest with gusts of up to 50 MPH. While it won’t be non-stop wind, the gusts are strong enough to create serious problems. You can expect to see tree branches swaying, trash cans rolling down the street, and plenty of dust in the air. It’s going to be a wild ride, and you’ll want to take extra precautions to avoid trouble.
Why This Is a Big Deal:
-
Driving Could Be Risky: If you need to head out on the roads, be extra careful. Winds this strong make it hard to control your vehicle, especially if you’re driving something larger like a truck or SUV. Even smaller cars can be pushed around by sudden gusts, so slow down and make sure you have a firm grip on the wheel. Bridges and open stretches of road are going to be the worst—these are the areas where gusts are most unpredictable. If you don’t need to drive, it might be best to stay home until things calm down.
-
Flying Debris is a Real Concern: The wind can turn everyday objects into dangerous projectiles. Trash cans, lawn furniture, even tree branches could go airborne. You don’t want to be in the way of anything that’s getting tossed around. So, if you don’t have to be outside, it’s a good idea to stay indoors. Keep your distance from anything that might get caught up in the wind.
-
Downed Trees and Power Lines: Strong winds like these can bring down tree branches or even whole trees. Power lines could be knocked down as well, causing power outages in parts of the city. If you see any downed power lines, stay far away and call for help immediately. Prepare for possible power outages by charging your devices and having flashlights or backup supplies on hand.
How to Stay Safe:
-
Stay Off the Roads If You Can: If it’s not absolutely necessary to travel, avoid driving. If you have to be out there, drive slowly and keep both hands on the wheel. Bridges, overpasses, and open areas will be the most affected by the wind, so take extra care there. If the visibility drops or debris starts flying around, pull over to a safe spot and wait for things to settle down.
-
Secure Outdoor Items: Head outside and make sure anything that could be blown away is secured. Trash cans, patio furniture, garden tools—anything light enough to be moved by the wind could be a hazard. If you can, bring them inside. Even small things could turn into dangerous projectiles when the wind picks up.
-
Watch for Fallen Trees or Power Lines: Look out for any tree branches or power lines that might fall in the gusts. These can be tricky to spot if you’re driving, so stay alert. If you see a downed power line, don’t approach it—stay far away and call emergency services. If you come across anything blocking the road, report it right away.
-
Stay Informed: Keep your phone charged and check the weather updates regularly. Conditions can change fast, and the wind might pick up again later. You’ll want to stay ahead of any further changes, so make sure you’re getting the latest info on the storm.
Why Is This Happening?
This isn’t just some random gust of wind—it’s the result of a low-pressure system moving through the central U.S. The pressure difference in the atmosphere is causing these strong winds. Kansas is known for having high winds during seasonal transitions, but this one is particularly intense. So, while it’s not out of the ordinary, it’s still enough to cause some disruptions.
Wichita’s position makes it prone to these kinds of strong winds. The good news is that by Wednesday morning, these winds should die down, but we’ve got to weather the storm until then.
These winds are no joke. With gusts up to 50 MPH, they can make driving treacherous and could turn your outdoor items into hazards. If you don’t need to go out, stay inside. If you do, make sure to take extra care when driving and stay alert for any flying debris or fallen trees.
