Tornado Risk After 3pm

Probably because it is Mother's Day, I am getting lots of requests for information about the tornado threat. There is already one tornado watch out (see below). The areas outlined in red also have a tornado threat, but I am not expecting anything before about 3pm (i.e., if you have an errand to run, go ahead and do it now).

Yes, Kansas City and Wichita are in the risk area but not until after 6pm and probably later.

Please don't be overly concerned by this forecast. Go about your normal routine but if the sky darkens, start monitoring local weather information. 

Make sure you can quickly get to shelter if a warning is issued and that you have the following:

• Sturdy shoes
• Flashlight with good batteries
• Any important keepsakes that can be taken to shelter (putting them in the shelter now is a good idea). 
• A bottle of water or two. 
• A charged cell phone.