Severe weather likely in NWS Wichita area Thursday; threat of hail, floods, tornadoes

Weather forecasters predict greater chances for severe weather Thursday.

Wednesday’s storm chances are mostly west, northwest and north of Wichita and I-35. The greatest threat is between I-70 and the Nebraska border. Storms this evening and overnight may produce wind gusts of up to 70 mph, causing tree damage. Hail is also possible.

Weather service forecasters predict a weak cold front will move into the area Thursday afternoon and evening. Wichita and other locations along and south of the Turnpike will be at the greatest risk.

“Severe storms appear likely with golf ball to tennis ball size hail, 60 to 70 mph winds, and even a few tornadoes,” the NWS outlook read. “Heavy rainfall and flooding will also be possible with any of the activity Wednesday night through Thursday night.”

In Wichita, the NWS forecast calls for a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday night.

Daytime Thursday has a 70% chance of precipitation. The greatest chance for thunderstorms comes between 4 and 7 p.m., though showers and thunderstorms will be possible earlier in the day, too. Precipitation chances drop to 60% for Thursday night, followed by 20% Friday morning.

Forecasters advised people to be prepared to move indoors if lightning affects their location, and to watch for ponding of water on highways from downpours.

This story was originally published May 25, 2021 at 2:43 PM.