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First Warn Weather Day: Tornado Watch issued for parts of northwest Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A First Warn Weather Day is in effect Thursday as we expect a line of rain & storms to move through the area. These storms have the potential to be strong to severe with strong winds as the primary threat.

The National Weather Service issued two Tornado Watches. The first is for Holt, Nodaway, Andrew and Atchison counties in Missouri until 7 p.m. The second is for Franklin, Anderson, Douglas & Jefferson counties until 9 pm. Large hail up to apple sized possible, 80+ mph winds and a couple tornadoes are possible.

The metro and points to the south and east are not in a watch currently. However, the NWS will be monitoring the development of storms to the west first and based on that we may see a watch later this evening.

Tornado Watches(KCTV)

We expect a line of storms this evening, and some of the strongest storms along that line could produce severe weather.

A Level 2/5 severe weather risk is in place for much of the region, though western parts of Atchison, Franklin, and Douglas Counties in Kansas have been upgraded to a Level 3/5 risk.

We also have a low flood threat across the area, with isolated zones that could see extra-heavy rain. We may pick up 1″ or less of rain, with isolated spots receiving up to 2″. A low flood risk is in place across the area.

What to Expect:

Now – 7 PM: Isolated supercells are possible during this window, though it’s a conditional threat. If atmospheric conditions allow, these storms could be powerful with all hazards on the table — including damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes. The highest risk for these extra-strong Lone Ranger storms would be in the Level 3 zone west of Kansas City. The storms in this zone will form into a line likely before it gets to our area or in our western counties first.

Evening to Overnight Line of Storms (6 PM – 2 AM): A widespread line of storms is expected to move through the region, with the primary severe threat being damaging wind and isolated spin-up tornadoes. Hail is also possible. The line will move from northwest Missouri southeast across the area. For the Kansas City metro, the timing window is 8 PM to midnight. Storms will move out of the entire area by 2 AM Friday morning.

Severe storms expected Thursday(KCTV)

BOTTOM LINE:

Thunderstorms are likely for most of the area.

Severe weather is possible, though it will be confined to narrow swaths under the strongest storms.

Not all of us will see severe weather.

Nighttime storms can bring extra hazards in that they aren’t as visible, or they may pass through your area while you’re sleeping. Have a reliable way to receive alerts. Download the KCTV5 Weather app to get the latest weather updates sent to your phone and stay with us for continuous updates throughout the day.

To get the latest weather updates sent to your phone, download the KCTV5 Weather app here.

Friday: Nice & Dry

Friday will be dry with sunshine. We start the day a bit cooler than we’ve been… in the low 50s. A few areas of patchy fog will be possible during the morning commute, dissipating by mid morning. High temperatures will reach around 73 degrees. It’ll be a great day to be out and about!

Weekend Outlook: Storms Return

Saturday: The better day for outdoor plans. A 30% chance for rain & storms is now on the table in the afternoon to evening for those along and south of I-70. New data brings a low level 1/5 risk for severe storms in our far southeastern counties, wind and hail would be the primary threats.

Sunday: A First Warn is in place with a 50% chance for rain. A Level 2/5 risk for severe storms returns to the table. The most likely time for rain will be the evening into Sunday night. High temperatures will remain in the low 70s. Heavy rain will be possible into Sunday night.

Stormy into Next Week

Monday: A First Warn is in place Monday for a 50% chance for rain, storms and severe weather potential. A level 2/5 risk for severe storms is on the table once again with all hazards possible. Monday’s activity will most likely be a continuation of Sunday’s rain & storms. We will learn more information about Sunday & Monday severe threat and timing in the coming days. High temperatures will reach the mid 70s.

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