Weather service issues wind advisory in KC as strong gusts, potential storms roll in
The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory beginning Thursday afternoon for the Kansas City metro that will continue into Friday as strong gusts and potential thunderstorms impact the area.
Officials warned of south winds between 20 and 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 miles per hour starting at 4 p.m. Thursday and lasting through 7 p.m. Friday for areas of east central and northeast Kansas and west central Missouri.
The advisory will impact the Kansas City metro area, including Johnson, Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties in Kansas and Jackson, Cass, Clay and Platte counties in Missouri.
Southwest winds will accelerate throughout the day Thursday, peaking at about 40 to 45 miles per hour in the late afternoon and evening. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible starting late Thursday and continuing into Friday.
Strong gusts could blow unsecured objects, knock down tree limbs and cause some power outages. Drivers should use extra caution, especially if they operate high profile vehicles.
On Friday, showers and thunderstorms are expected beginning in the morning and becoming more widespread throughout the day. Severe storms could occur primarily along and east of Interstate 35, potentially bringing damaging winds and hail.
A fire weather watch will also be in effect Friday from the afternoon through the evening as strong winds mix with rapidly decreasing humidity. Any fires that start at this time in far eastern Kansas and far western Missouri will likely spread rapidly, and outdoor burning isn’t recommended.
