The National Weather Service is warning people in central and eastern Kansas about the potential for severe weather Thursday. Meteorologist Jenifer Prieto says storms will bring high winds, hail and possibly even tornadoes to the area. She says the last time there was an October tornado in Kansas was 2011.
“While it has been at least five years since we’ve had a tornado this late in the year, it’s definitely not ruled out for this area. We typically will have a second severe season in the September to October timeframe,” says Prieto.
A tornado watch remains in effect for portions of central and eastern Kansas until 9 p.m.
Prieto says the greatest chance for twisters will be in central Kansas before the storms start moving east.
“Eventually, they’ll start to form into a line as they head into eastern Kansas, that includes the Topeka area, and as they do the threat will transition into more of a damaging wind and large hail threat,” says Prieto.
Heavy rains and localized flooding are also possible.