Not over yet: More severe weather could hit Wichita area. Here’s what to expect

Wichita and the surrounding area may experience winds up to 80 mph, hail up to tennis-ball size, heavy rain with the potential for floods, and possible tornadoes Tuesday afternoon into the night.

Wichita has a 70% chance of precipitation Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service, after heavy rain overnight Monday.

Severe storms have already damaged homes and businesses, caused flash flooding on roads and left some people without power. The NWS has extended a flood watch until Wednesday afternoon and is warning people not to drive into flooded areas.

The NWS rates the risk for severe storms on a scale from one to five. Wichita was at a three on Monday, but was at a 4 as of Tuesday morning, just short of being considered at the highest risk of severe storms.

It’s not clear when exactly the weather will pick back up Tuesday afternoon, or which areas will be hit the hardest, Vanessa Pearce, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service Wichita, said.

But most of the region is expected to see rain with the possibility of more severe weather starting at 3 p.m. and lasting until early Wednesday morning.

The weather service recommends people take precautions to stay safe, including identifying a safe area of your home, having an emergency kit ready in case you need to take shelter and having multiple sources for updates such as weather apps and local TV and radio stations.

Above all, Pearce said, people should be prepared to take shelter when warnings are issued.

“Be prepared for warnings, especially if you have plans outside,” Pearce said. “You know, be aware — if thunder roars, go indoors.”