Here’s the timing, weather impacts for Saturday’s expected severe storms
Severe storms capable of bringing up to baseball-sized hail, 75 mph winds and the threat of tornadoes are expected in Wichita and western Kansas Saturday evening.
Those storms are expected to form after 6 p.m. and persist in the Wichita area until 9 p.m., though some lingering storms could continue overnight, according to the National Weather Service.
Severe storms are expected to develop after 5-6 pm Saturday west of I-135 and track eastward through the evening hours. #kswx pic.twitter.com/BnXeKm0hGP
— NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) May 25, 2024
An NWS detailed forecast shows a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday after 7 p.m. The high for the day sits at a partly cloudy of 66 degrees.
“Confidence remains low on how many storms will develop and the specific location,” a NWS briefing packet said.
If storms do develop, residents should expect the weather hazards of hail, strong winds and a possible tornado, the NWS added.
Areas south of Highway 400 will have the highest chance of a tornado from 6 to 10 p.m., according to the NWS.
Severe storms possible after 6 pm this evening with storms become more numerous across east and northeast Kansas after 10pm. Very large hail and damaging winds likely with the stronger storms. Location south of Highway 400 will have the best chance to see a tornado #kswx pic.twitter.com/EUwTAD4e5O
— NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) May 25, 2024
McConnell Air Force base moved aircraft out of the area due to the threat of storms. Aircraft that were not moved are being stored in hangars, the base said Saturday morning.
“This is the fourth relocation of McConnell aircraft in the past six weeks, due to severe weather,” McConnell said.
Looking ahead, the next chance for storms is forecast Tuesday night, which currently sits at a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. These chances could go up or down as the forecast is refined, the NWS said.
