Hey, Kansas and Missouri, listen up! The weather’s about to get rough on Wednesday, and it’s important to be ready. A Tornado Watch has been issued, and while not every storm will turn into a tornado, there’s a chance that these storms could bring large hail, strong winds, and possibly even a tornado or two. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
What’s Coming Your Way?
The Tornado Watch starts at 11 AM Wednesday and will stay in effect through the afternoon. This isn’t a warning that a tornado is happening right now, but it means the conditions are right for one to form. The worst of the storm is expected to hit by midday, and we’re looking at hail as large as 2 inches in diameter. That’s big enough to cause damage to cars, roofs, and crops, so it’s a good idea to take action now to protect your property.
But that’s not all. Along with the hail, you can expect wind gusts up to 60 MPH, which is strong enough to knock down trees, power lines, and anything else that’s in the storm’s way. The rain will also be heavy, and flash flooding could become a serious problem in areas with poor drainage. Flooding can happen fast, so if you live in a low-lying area, make sure you’re prepared.
Here’s What You Need to Know:
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Tornado Watch: This means tornadoes are possible, but haven’t been spotted yet. The conditions are there for them to form, so it’s important to stay alert.
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Large Hail: Hail up to 2 inches could cause damage to cars, roofs, crops, and anything left outside.
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Strong Winds: Winds could gust up to 60 MPH, which could bring down trees and power lines, and make traveling dangerous.
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Flash Flooding: Heavy rain could quickly cause flash flooding, especially in areas that are prone to it.
How to Stay Safe:
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Have a Plan: Now’s the time to figure out where you’ll go if the storm takes a turn for the worse. If you don’t have a basement, head to the lowest level of your house, away from windows. A small, interior room is your best bet for staying safe from tornadoes.
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Move Your Car: If you can, move your car into a garage or another safe spot. That way, it won’t get damaged by the hail. It only takes a few minutes, and it could save you a lot of hassle later.
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Stay Informed: Keep your phone charged and stay updated on the latest weather news. If a Tornado Warning is issued, you’ll need to know immediately so you can act fast.
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Understand the Difference: A Tornado Watch means tornadoes are possible but not guaranteed. A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been spotted or is imminent. If a warning is issued, don’t wait—take cover immediately.
What’s Next?
These storms will move quickly, but that doesn’t mean they won’t do some serious damage along the way. Even if things look calm, the weather can change in a matter of minutes, so it’s important to stay on top of updates. Keep an eye on the sky, stay connected to weather alerts, and be ready to take action if the situation worsens.
To Sum It Up:
Wednesday’s storms could pack a punch. With large hail, strong winds, and the possibility of tornadoes, it’s time to take the threat seriously. Take a few minutes now to prepare—move anything outside that could be damaged, make sure you have a safe place to go, and stay informed on the weather.
