Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Damage has been reported from storms that passed through Kansas Tuesday. Law enforcement reports several homes were destroyed eight miles east of Great Bend. An apartment was hit by lightning in Great Bend, sparking a fire.

A home suffered damage three miles east of Nickerson in Reno County. Power was reported out in Nickerson. Service has been restored.

The Wichita area has been hit by torrential rain and gusty winds.

The Wichita area and most of Central Kansas is now under a tornado watch until 11:00 p.m. Cities in the watch area include Wichita, Hutchinson, McPherson and Salina.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for much of Western Kansas until 10:00 p.m. Wichita is not included in the watch area. Cities in the watch area include Garden City, Hays, Pratt and Colby.

Tornado warnings have been reported in SW Kansas this afternoon. There are no immediate reports of damage. Baseball sized hail has also been reported.

In the wake of the recent deadly tornadoes in Eastern Kansas on Saturday and Joplin on Sunday. The KAKEland Weatherplex is warning about the potential for more severe weather on Tuesday across a good part of Kansas.

Tuesday afternoon/evening holds more concern as a strong upper-air disturbance is forecast to move over the central plains. The combination of the disturbance, moist air and a strong dryline will set the stage for a potential severe weather outbreak across Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri on Tuesday afternoon. The Storm Prediction Center has placed South Central Kansas and North Central Oklahoma under a high risk of severe weather.

A tornado watch has been issued for much of Oklahoma and Northern Texas until 10:00 p.m.

At this time, the greatest potential for severe weather on Tuesday is anywhere across the eastern half of Kansas, into Oklahoma and Missouri. Of course, this zone could change based on more weather data that comes in.

The KAKEland WeatherPlex team is monitoring the conditions. Several KAKEland StormChasers will be in the field, providing live streaming video and storm reports.

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KDEM URGES KANSANS TO PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL TORNADOES TODAY

With severe weather headed our way, now is the time to be prepared.

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan

· Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.

· If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for at least three days containing:

· First Aid kit and essential medications.

· Canned food and can opener.

· At least three gallons of water per person per day.

· Protective clothing, bedding or sleeping bags.

· Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

· Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.

· Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings

· Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

· Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:

o A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.

o A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.

When a Tornado WATCH Is Issued...

· Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.

· Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a Tornado WARNING Is Issued...

· If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.

· If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.

· If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

After the Tornado Passes...

· Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.

· Listen to the radio for information and instructions.

· Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.

· Do not use candles at any time.

For tornado safety tips
click here

Keep it on KAKE and we'll keep you up-to-date.