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An updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 2:42 a.m. in effect until 3 a.m. for Clay and Platte counties.
The storms may bring quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
“At 2:42 a.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Weatherby Lake, moving east at 40 mph,” states the NWS. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Kansas City, Gladstone, Lansing, Smithville, Parkville, Platte City, Riverside, Weatherby Lake, Kansas City Intl Arpt, Lake Waukomis, Ferrelview, Platte Woods, Oakview, Northmoor, Houston Lake, Farley, Oakwood Park, Oakwood, Oaks and Waldron. This includes the following highways: Interstate 29 between mile markers 1 and 19. Interstate 635 between mile markers 9 and 12. Interstate 435 between mile markers 21 and 42.
The NWS states, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”
This warning is in effect until 3 a.m.
What to do as threat of lightning approaches?
Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
- To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
- If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
- Once indoors, avoid touching corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
- Wait for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
- Stay away from open fields, hill summits, or ridge tops.
- Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If in a forest, stay close to lower trees.
- If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.
- If you are camping in an open setting, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low spot. Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.
- Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.
What steps to follow when driving in the rain?
- Turn on headlights – Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
- While on the road – Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground. Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.
- Steer clear of puddles – Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
- Do not follow large vehicles closely – Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
- Avoid flooded zones – If you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and go back. The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle’s weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is primarily caused by three factors:
- Vehicle speed – When a vehicle’s speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth – The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth – Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here’s what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator – Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid – Turning into the skid can help the vehicle’s tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with the road – During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed – Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
This story was originally published October 18, 2025 at 2:33 AM.
