Severe thunderstorms moved across central Kansas on June 15 impacting several festivals in the area.&nbsp;

Storms started forming by about 3:00 p.m. The Salina Regional Airport clocked wind gust up to 77 mph at 4:08 pm. on Saturday.

Salina Post will update this as new information becomes available.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe thunderstorm warning for Central Saline County in central Kansas Until 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;

At 4:09 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Salina, moving northeast at 35 mph.

Impact Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Locations impacted include: &nbsp;Salina, Smolan, New Cambria, and Salina Airport.

Precautionary/preparedness actions For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Thunderstorm damage threat: Considerable

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for McPherson County in central Kansas until 4:45 p.m. CDT.

At 3:51 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Buhler, moving northeast at 30 mph.

Hazard 60 mph wind gusts SOURCE Radar indicated IMPACT Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees

This new warning replaces the previous thunderstorm warning in
effect for western McPherson county.

Locations impacted include. Mcpherson, Lindsborg, Inman, Galva, Marquette, Mcpherson Airport, and Roxbury.

Precautionary actions: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building. Hail Threat: Radar Indicated Max Hail Size &lt;.75 inch Wind Threat Radar Indicated Max Wind Gust 60 MPH

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718495464405.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718494154683.jpeg" alt="A fallen tree in the southwest corner of 12th Street and Iron Ave. in Salina. Photos courtesy Randy Picking" />
 <figcaption>A fallen tree in the southwest corner of 12th Street and Iron Ave. in Salina. Photos courtesy Randy Picking</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSevere thunderstorms moved across central Kansas on June 15 impacting several festivals in the area.&nbsp;Storms started forming by about 3:00 p.m. The Salina Regional Airport clocked wind gust up to 77 mph at 4:08 pm. on Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718494241625.jpeg" alt="Tree damage on 11th and Crawford Streets in Salina.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Tree damage on 11th and Crawford Streets in Salina.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718494201595.jpeg" alt="A fallen tree located just north of Crawford on 12th Streets in Salina.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A fallen tree located just north of Crawford on 12th Streets in Salina.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Post will update this as new information becomes available.By SALINA POST<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718486190587.png" alt="NWS WICHITA" />
 <figcaption>NWS WICHITA</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe thunderstorm warning for Central Saline County in central Kansas Until 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;At 4:09 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Salina, moving northeast at 35 mph. Hazard 70 mph wind gusts. Source Radar indicated. Impact Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.Locations impacted include: &nbsp;Salina, Smolan, New Cambria, and Salina Airport.Precautionary/preparedness actions For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.Thunderstorm damage threat: ConsiderableHail threat: Radar indicatedMax hail size: &lt;.75 inWind threat: Radar indicatedMax wind gust: 70 mphThe National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for McPherson County in central Kansas until 4:45 p.m. CDT.At 3:51 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Buhler, moving northeast at 30 mph.Hazard 60 mph wind gusts SOURCE Radar indicated IMPACT Expect damage to roofs, siding, and treesThis new warning replaces the previous thunderstorm warning in
effect for western McPherson county.Locations impacted include. Mcpherson, Lindsborg, Inman, Galva, Marquette, Mcpherson Airport, and Roxbury.Precautionary actions: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building. Hail Threat: Radar Indicated Max Hail Size &lt;.75 inch Wind Threat Radar Indicated Max Wind Gust 60 MPH

📸Severe Weather updates June 15

Precipitation data courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.

Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;

As of 06/14/2024 at 11:52 a.m.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0ebdb0d0-3981-471c-8571-1f1e0d5174e0">📸 SM Hanson Festival Jam 2024</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648176291467.jpeg" alt="CoCoRaHS logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>CoCoRaHS logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Precipitation data courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;As of 06/14/2024 at 11:52 a.m.Salina —&nbsp; 0.25 inchesConcordia — 0.00 inchesEllsworth — 0.04 inchesLindsborg —&nbsp; 0.00 inchesAbilene —&nbsp; 0.19 inchesClay Center — 0.10 inchesMinneapolis — 0.12 inchesBeverly — 0.37 inchesMcPherson — .01 inchesGypsum — 0.15 inchesInman — 0.00 inchesPeabody — .55 inchesAssaria — 0.15 inchesREAD MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0ebdb0d0-3981-471c-8571-1f1e0d5174e0">📸 SM Hanson Festival Jam 2024</a>

CoCoRaHS 24-hour rain totals

By SALINA POST The 38th SM Hanson Festival Jam ended early due to stormy weather and downpouring rain. Salina Arts and Humanities Assistant Director Anna Pauscher Morawitz told Salina Post that Oakdale Park will reopen tomorrow at 10 a.m. and will close at 10 p.m.&nbsp;

Sign up for official Festival weather notifications and directives at this link- select Oakdale Park under news and announcements by clicking the link <a href="https://my.textcaster.com/asa/default.aspx?ID=6b33e885-0e9f-4c65-b255-9fe1d298038d">here.</a>&nbsp;

The 38th SM Hanson Festival Jam is delayed due to weather.

At 6:41 p.m. event emcees told the crowd of thousands the show would resume at 7:30 p.m.

From cool drinks near a body of water to late-night bonfires in the backyard, one aspect of the Kansas summer remains the same: triple-digit heat indexes.

More than ten thousand residents and visitors plan to gather in Oakdale Park tomorrow for the annual Smoky Hill River Festival, but forecasters at the U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) predict heat indices to rise well above 100 degrees.

Meteorologists predict a 107-degree heat index in Salina tomorrow afternoon, right at the beginning of the SM Hanson Festival Jam. On Wednesday, June 12, NWS Wichita meteorologists issued a heat advisory lasting until 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/8bdf71db-697a-4b4f-94a6-a99474e9d780">UPDATED: 38th Annual SM Hanson Festival Jam lineup announced</a>

Heat-related illnesses can vary from minor ailments, such as a heat rash, to hospitalization from heat stroke. The Kansas Department of Health Environment (KDHE) stated in its <a href="https://keap.kdhe.ks.gov/Ephtm/EphtContent/documents/Toolkit%2020140519.pdf">"Kansas Extreme Heat Toolkit"</a> that early signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, fatigue, headache, nausea, visual disturbances, weakness, anxiety, confusion and vomiting.

Those with early signs of heat exhaustion should stop any activity, relocate to a shaded or indoor area and drink electrolyte-containing fluids like sports drinks, fruit juices or water.

KDHE staff also advise that older residents or those with preexisting health concerns are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and should take precautionary measures before attending an outdoor event during a heat advisory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718326337865.jpeg" alt="The 38th SM Hanson Festival Jam ended early due to rain. Photo by Nate King Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>The 38th SM Hanson Festival Jam ended early due to rain. Photo by Nate King Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST The 38th SM Hanson Festival Jam ended early due to stormy weather and downpouring rain. Salina Arts and Humanities Assistant Director Anna Pauscher Morawitz told Salina Post that Oakdale Park will reopen tomorrow at 10 a.m. and will close at 10 p.m.&nbsp;Sign up for official Festival weather notifications and directives at this link- select Oakdale Park under news and announcements by clicking the link <a href="https://my.textcaster.com/asa/default.aspx?ID=6b33e885-0e9f-4c65-b255-9fe1d298038d">here.</a>&nbsp;By SALINA POSTThe 38th SM Hanson Festival Jam is delayed due to weather. At 6:41 p.m. event emcees told the crowd of thousands the show would resume at 7:30 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718227125666.jpeg" alt="A graphic detailing various heat indices throughout the state for Thursday, June 13. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>A graphic detailing various heat indices throughout the state for Thursday, June 13. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTFrom cool drinks near a body of water to late-night bonfires in the backyard, one aspect of the Kansas summer remains the same: triple-digit heat indexes.More than ten thousand residents and visitors plan to gather in Oakdale Park tomorrow for the annual Smoky Hill River Festival, but forecasters at the U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) predict heat indices to rise well above 100 degrees.Meteorologists predict a 107-degree heat index in Salina tomorrow afternoon, right at the beginning of the SM Hanson Festival Jam. On Wednesday, June 12, NWS Wichita meteorologists issued a heat advisory lasting until 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718227185100.jpeg" alt="The five-day forecast by U.S. National Weather Service Wichita meteorologists shows multiple days of high temperatures alongside the chances for a few scattered storms on Wednesday, June 12. Graphic courtesy NWS Wichita" />
 <figcaption>The five-day forecast by U.S. National Weather Service Wichita meteorologists shows multiple days of high temperatures alongside the chances for a few scattered storms on Wednesday, June 12. Graphic courtesy NWS Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/8bdf71db-697a-4b4f-94a6-a99474e9d780">UPDATED: 38th Annual SM Hanson Festival Jam lineup announced</a>Heat-related illnesses can vary from minor ailments, such as a heat rash, to hospitalization from heat stroke. The Kansas Department of Health Environment (KDHE) stated in its <a href="https://keap.kdhe.ks.gov/Ephtm/EphtContent/documents/Toolkit%2020140519.pdf">"Kansas Extreme Heat Toolkit"</a> that early signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, fatigue, headache, nausea, visual disturbances, weakness, anxiety, confusion and vomiting.Those with early signs of heat exhaustion should stop any activity, relocate to a shaded or indoor area and drink electrolyte-containing fluids like sports drinks, fruit juices or water.KDHE staff also advise that older residents or those with preexisting health concerns are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and should take precautionary measures before attending an outdoor event during a heat advisory.

UPDATED: 38th SM Hanson Festival Jam ends early due to rain

Last updated June 13, at 6:11 p.m.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Lincoln County in central Kansas, Northeastern Ellsworth County in central Kansas, Northwestern Saline County in central Kansas until 6:45 p.m. CDT. 

At 5:50 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Beverly, or
 10 miles east of Lincoln, moving southeast at 20 mph.
 HAZARD 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail SOURCE Radar indicated IMPACT Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
 to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include Beverly, Glendale, and Westfall.&nbsp;

NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK

At 4:40 p.m. on June 13 the National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm watch #410 in effect until 11:00 p.m.&nbsp;

BARBER BARTON BUTLER CHASE CLARK CLAY CLOUD COMANCHE DICKINSON DOUGLAS EDWARDS ELLIS ELLSWORTH FINNEY &nbsp;FORD GEARY GOVE GRANT GRAY GREELEY HARVEY HASKELL HODGEMAN KEARNY KINGMAN KIOWA LANE LINCOLN LOGAN LYON MARION MARSHALL MCPHERSON MEADE MORRIS NESS OSAGE OTTAWA PAWNEE POTTAWATOMIE PRATT RENO RICE RILEY RUSH RUSSELL SALINE SCOTT SEDGWICK SEWARD SHAWNEE STAFFORD STEVENS TREGO WABAUNSEE WALLACE &nbsp;WICHITA

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705856741613.jpeg" alt="nws logo" />
 <figcaption>nws logo</figcaption>
 </figure>Last updated June 13, at 6:11 p.m.&nbsp;By SALINA POST The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Lincoln County in central Kansas, Northeastern Ellsworth County in central Kansas, Northwestern Saline County in central Kansas until 6:45 p.m. CDT. At 5:50 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Beverly, or
 10 miles east of Lincoln, moving southeast at 20 mph.
 HAZARD 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail SOURCE Radar indicated IMPACT Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
 to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include Beverly, Glendale, and Westfall.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718315874901.jpeg" alt="NWS Wichita" />
 <figcaption>NWS Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OKAt 4:40 p.m. on June 13 the National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm watch #410 in effect until 11:00 p.m.&nbsp;Kansas Counties included are:BARBER BARTON BUTLER CHASE CLARK CLAY CLOUD COMANCHE DICKINSON DOUGLAS EDWARDS ELLIS ELLSWORTH FINNEY &nbsp;FORD GEARY GOVE GRANT GRAY GREELEY HARVEY HASKELL HODGEMAN KEARNY KINGMAN KIOWA LANE LINCOLN LOGAN LYON MARION MARSHALL MCPHERSON MEADE MORRIS NESS OSAGE OTTAWA PAWNEE POTTAWATOMIE PRATT RENO RICE RILEY RUSH RUSSELL SALINE SCOTT SEDGWICK SEWARD SHAWNEE STAFFORD STEVENS TREGO WABAUNSEE WALLACE &nbsp;WICHITA

UPDATED: June 13 weather updates 

This Afternoon Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. Heat index values as high as 107. South southwest wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Tonight A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South southwest wind 9 to 15 mph becoming north-northeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Friday Night A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 71. East-southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. South wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Saturday Night A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 72. Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 76.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718301093051.png" alt="NWS Forecast" />
 <figcaption>NWS Forecast</figcaption>
 </figure>This Afternoon Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. Heat index values as high as 107. South southwest wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Tonight A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South southwest wind 9 to 15 mph becoming north-northeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Friday Night A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 71. East-southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. South wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Saturday Night A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 72. Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 76.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NWS-Wichita weekend weather forecast

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI </a>Harvest Public Media

The number of tornadoes and severe storms in the U.S. so far this year has been well above average.

There were nearly 6,300 severe storms reported in May, many concentrated in the Midwest and Great Plains,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/summary/" target="_blank">according to preliminary data</a>&nbsp;from the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center. That includes more than 570 tornadoes, the most recorded in recent years. That number continues to climb as the center updates its data.

It was the second-most active May for severe storms since 2004. The most active remains May 2011, the month a massive tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri.

The storms have resulted in 39 deaths this year, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Tornadoes in Oklahoma have killed eight people and demolished homes and businesses. In Iowa, a large tornado&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornado-iowa-wind-farm-turbines-feb9913c3d53915ffa420e277af4bb6d" target="_blank">crumbled five massive wind turbines</a>&nbsp;and killed five.

A main reason for the activity was weather conditions that made it more likely for tornadoes to form, said Patrick Marsh, the chief of science and support at the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

Throughout the spring, a pocket of cold air called a “trough” put winds from the Southwest across the middle of the country, Marsh said. Winds from the Southeast carried warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico closer to the ground.

The combination created a good environment for tornado-producing storms known as supercell thunderstorms.

“We’ve had ingredients in place for supercell thunderstorms over the Plains for pretty much the entire month of May,” Marsh said. “And when you have that many of these kinds of thunderstorms, inevitably you will have an increase in tornadoes as well.”

Damage in Greenfield, Iowa, is shown on May 22, 2024 after a large tornado touched down the day before. Last month was one of the most active Mays for tornadoes and other severe storms in the past 20 years.

Three tornadoes this year ranked EF4, which is the second-highest ranking on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. This spring produced higher-ranking tornadoes than in recent years, Marsh said. But, this system is also based on the amount of damage caused, rather than just the size and strength of a tornado.

“If a tornado producing wind speeds equivalent to an EF5 – so 205 miles per hour or stronger – if it never hits a structure that has an engineer rating to withstand 205 mile per hour winds, we can't assign the rating of an EF5,” Marsh said.

The increased number of tornado reports could also be due in part to more available data.

An advancement in radar technology more than a decade ago allows weather trackers to better detect weak tornadoes by radar. Plus, there are more potential eyewitnesses with cameras, thanks to smartphones, and more structures that can be in the path of a tornado.

These are all factors to consider when comparing current and historical data, said Zack Leasor, the Missouri state climatologist.

“It's really hard to disentangle, is this a greater number of tornadoes themselves? Or are there just more buildings that can be damaged by those tornadoes? Are there more people out that can see those tornadoes, report those tornadoes with their smartphones?” Leasor said. “All of these kinds of characteristics go into those trends as well.”

Quincy Vagell started storm chasing across the Midwest and Great Plains in 2014. He said he often sends reports of what he sees to the National Weather Service.

“Sometimes storm chasers may be the first people on the scene, especially if it's in a very rural area where there's not a lot of people,” he said.

The activity this season allows him to choose which storms to chase. He said he tries to stay closer to Oklahoma, where he’s based.

“I've only seen, actually, two or three tornadoes this year, but I've had an active season,” Vagell said. “I've seen plenty of supercells, great storms and all that. So it's definitely been a busy season for me.”

A more active spring season for tornadoes is difficult to link directly to climate change, according to Marsh. However, warm and moist air in the wintertime could cause more tornadoes in off-peak times, he said.

Warmer weather earlier this year has opened the door to a longer season for severe storms in Missouri, Leasor said. There have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-05-30/missouri-is-having-one-of-its-most-active-tornado-seasons-on-record-whats-behind-the-numbers" target="_blank">184 tornado warnings in the state</a>&nbsp;this year so far. This is the fourth highest number of warnings for that timeframe since records began in 1986.

Marsh expects storm activity to be calmer in early June. Beyond that, it’s more uncertain, he said.

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718137703371.png" alt="Storm chaser Quincy Vagell captured this image during a tornado on May 23, 2024 in Eldorado, Oklahoma. Vagell has been storm chasing since 2014. Provided By Quincy Vagell" />
 <figcaption>Storm chaser Quincy Vagell captured this image during a tornado on May 23, 2024 in Eldorado, Oklahoma. Vagell has been storm chasing since 2014. Provided By Quincy Vagell</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI </a>Harvest Public MediaThe number of tornadoes and severe storms in the U.S. so far this year has been well above average.There were nearly 6,300 severe storms reported in May, many concentrated in the Midwest and Great Plains,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/summary/" target="_blank">according to preliminary data</a>&nbsp;from the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center. That includes more than 570 tornadoes, the most recorded in recent years. That number continues to climb as the center updates its data.It was the second-most active May for severe storms since 2004. The most active remains May 2011, the month a massive tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri.The storms have resulted in 39 deaths this year, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Tornadoes in Oklahoma have killed eight people and demolished homes and businesses. In Iowa, a large tornado&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornado-iowa-wind-farm-turbines-feb9913c3d53915ffa420e277af4bb6d" target="_blank">crumbled five massive wind turbines</a>&nbsp;and killed five.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718137833041.png" alt="Chart:&nbsp;Skyler Rossi/ Harvest Public MediaSource:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/summary/">National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center on June 6, 2024</a>Created with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/e5mQv" target="_blank">Datawrapper</a>" />
 <figcaption>Chart:&nbsp;Skyler Rossi/ Harvest Public MediaSource:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/summary/">National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center on June 6, 2024</a>Created with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/e5mQv" target="_blank">Datawrapper</a></figcaption>
 </figure>A main reason for the activity was weather conditions that made it more likely for tornadoes to form, said Patrick Marsh, the chief of science and support at the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma.Throughout the spring, a pocket of cold air called a “trough” put winds from the Southwest across the middle of the country, Marsh said. Winds from the Southeast carried warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico closer to the ground.The combination created a good environment for tornado-producing storms known as supercell thunderstorms.“We’ve had ingredients in place for supercell thunderstorms over the Plains for pretty much the entire month of May,” Marsh said. “And when you have that many of these kinds of thunderstorms, inevitably you will have an increase in tornadoes as well.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718137892768.png" alt="&nbsp; Damage in Greenfield, Iowa, is shown on May 22, 2024 after a large tornado touched down the day before. Last month was one of the most active Mays for tornadoes and other severe storms in the past 20 years." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Damage in Greenfield, Iowa, is shown on May 22, 2024 after a large tornado touched down the day before. Last month was one of the most active Mays for tornadoes and other severe storms in the past 20 years.</figcaption>
 </figure>Damage in Greenfield, Iowa, is shown on May 22, 2024 after a large tornado touched down the day before. Last month was one of the most active Mays for tornadoes and other severe storms in the past 20 years.Three tornadoes this year ranked EF4, which is the second-highest ranking on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. This spring produced higher-ranking tornadoes than in recent years, Marsh said. But, this system is also based on the amount of damage caused, rather than just the size and strength of a tornado.“If a tornado producing wind speeds equivalent to an EF5 – so 205 miles per hour or stronger – if it never hits a structure that has an engineer rating to withstand 205 mile per hour winds, we can't assign the rating of an EF5,” Marsh said.The increased number of tornado reports could also be due in part to more available data.An advancement in radar technology more than a decade ago allows weather trackers to better detect weak tornadoes by radar. Plus, there are more potential eyewitnesses with cameras, thanks to smartphones, and more structures that can be in the path of a tornado.These are all factors to consider when comparing current and historical data, said Zack Leasor, the Missouri state climatologist.“It's really hard to disentangle, is this a greater number of tornadoes themselves? Or are there just more buildings that can be damaged by those tornadoes? Are there more people out that can see those tornadoes, report those tornadoes with their smartphones?” Leasor said. “All of these kinds of characteristics go into those trends as well.”Quincy Vagell started storm chasing across the Midwest and Great Plains in 2014. He said he often sends reports of what he sees to the National Weather Service.“Sometimes storm chasers may be the first people on the scene, especially if it's in a very rural area where there's not a lot of people,” he said.The activity this season allows him to choose which storms to chase. He said he tries to stay closer to Oklahoma, where he’s based.“I've only seen, actually, two or three tornadoes this year, but I've had an active season,” Vagell said. “I've seen plenty of supercells, great storms and all that. So it's definitely been a busy season for me.”A more active spring season for tornadoes is difficult to link directly to climate change, according to Marsh. However, warm and moist air in the wintertime could cause more tornadoes in off-peak times, he said.Warmer weather earlier this year has opened the door to a longer season for severe storms in Missouri, Leasor said. There have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-05-30/missouri-is-having-one-of-its-most-active-tornado-seasons-on-record-whats-behind-the-numbers" target="_blank">184 tornado warnings in the state</a>&nbsp;this year so far. This is the fourth highest number of warnings for that timeframe since records began in 1986.Marsh expects storm activity to be calmer in early June. Beyond that, it’s more uncertain, he said.This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

More tornadoes reported this year than usual; a look behind numbers

Powerful supercell thunderstorms erupted along a cold front across Central Kansas during the early evening hours of Wednesday, June 11 2008. 

These storms quickly became severe as they tracked east producing several tornadoes along with extremely large hail. Tornadoes with damage were first reported across the Northeast portion of Barton County, around 8 miles north-northwest of Claflin around 6:40 p.m.

 Initial reports are that there was roof damage along with damage to rural homes and outbuildings. This same storm tracked through Ellsworth County causing damage to trees and power poles. A few hours later another intense thunderstorm developed and tracked through Saline County around 9:40 p.m. producing a tornado. This tornado moved east-northeast with a path length of about 14 miles and a maximum intensity of EF-3.

The tornado first touched down just west of I-135 and just south of the Salina Airport. 

It then traveled  along the southeast outskirts of Salina where it damaged several homes, outbuildings, trees and power lines. EF-3 damage was noted near the intersection of East Shilling Road and South Holmes Road.

The tornado continued east of Salina with some EF-2 damage near East Crawford Street and South Whitmore Road. The tornado continued northeast before crossing into Dickinson County, just south of Solomon. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.

Along with tornadoes, these powerful storms also produced extremely large  hail, some to the size of softballs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121939044.jpeg" alt="Tornado about 2-3 miles southeast of Wilson, Ellsworth County, at around 7 p.m. on June 11, 2008. Picture courtesy of Henry Diehl.	" />
 <figcaption>Tornado about 2-3 miles southeast of Wilson, Ellsworth County, at around 7 p.m. on June 11, 2008. Picture courtesy of Henry Diehl.	</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121687426.jpeg" alt="Map of tornado touchdowns across Barton County on June 11, 2008. Photos/Images Courtesy NWS-Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Map of tornado touchdowns across Barton County on June 11, 2008. Photos/Images Courtesy NWS-Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>NWS-WichitaPowerful supercell thunderstorms erupted along a cold front across Central Kansas during the early evening hours of Wednesday, June 11 2008. These storms quickly became severe as they tracked east producing several tornadoes along with extremely large hail. Tornadoes with damage were first reported across the Northeast portion of Barton County, around 8 miles north-northwest of Claflin around 6:40 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121753462.png" alt="Radar image of the storm as it affected Northeast Barton County.	" />
 <figcaption>Radar image of the storm as it affected Northeast Barton County.	</figcaption>
 </figure> Initial reports are that there was roof damage along with damage to rural homes and outbuildings. This same storm tracked through Ellsworth County causing damage to trees and power poles. A few hours later another intense thunderstorm developed and tracked through Saline County around 9:40 p.m. producing a tornado. This tornado moved east-northeast with a path length of about 14 miles and a maximum intensity of EF-3.The tornado first touched down just west of I-135 and just south of the Salina Airport. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121791261.jpeg" alt="Map showing the tornado path through Saline County." />
 <figcaption>Map showing the tornado path through Saline County.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121850696.jpeg" alt="Damage to a machine shed 5 miles east of Salina." />
 <figcaption>Damage to a machine shed 5 miles east of Salina.</figcaption>
 </figure>It then traveled along the southeast outskirts of Salina where it damaged several homes, outbuildings, trees and power lines. EF-3 damage was noted near the intersection of East Shilling Road and South Holmes Road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121894876.jpeg" alt="Tornado damage near the intersection of East Shilling Road and South Holmes Road. 	" />
 <figcaption>Tornado damage near the intersection of East Shilling Road and South Holmes Road. 	</figcaption>
 </figure>The tornado continued east of Salina with some EF-2 damage near East Crawford Street and South Whitmore Road. The tornado continued northeast before crossing into Dickinson County, just south of Solomon. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.Along with tornadoes, these powerful storms also produced extremely large hail, some to the size of softballs.

Today in weather history — June 11, 2008 central Kansas tornadoes

As of 06/05/2024 at 8:38 a.m.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/dbce4630-1f59-4c24-80df-2e0b51284ede">Salina Public Libary partners with local church to provide summer lunch program</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716730713310.png" alt="A large storm front looms west of Salina at about 6 p.m., Sunday, May 19. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>A large storm front looms west of Salina at about 6 p.m., Sunday, May 19. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Precipitation data courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;As of 06/05/2024 at 8:38 a.m.Salina —&nbsp; 0.59 inchesConcordia — 0.08 inchesEllsworth — 0.59 inchesLindsborg —&nbsp; 2.84 inchesAbilene —&nbsp; 0.49 inchesClay Center — 0.16 inchesMinneapolis — 0.25 inchesBeverly — 0.29 inchesMcPherson — 2.34 inchesGypsum — 0.68 inchesInman — 2.12 inchesPeabody — 2.10 inchesAssaria — 0.84 inchesREAD MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/dbce4630-1f59-4c24-80df-2e0b51284ede">Salina Public Libary partners with local church to provide summer lunch program</a>

Storms continue tracking across western Kansas tonight, with possible wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph and quarter-sized hail, according to the U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita).

Stay updated with the latest watches and warnings by visiting the <a target="_blank" href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Salina Post Severe Weather page.&nbsp;</a>

NWS Wichita meteorologists recommend keeping two or more communication devices, such as a smartphone, radio, television or other device, to stay updated on the most recent severe weather information.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/09dc28b7-e3f5-48b7-a7ce-b6180532097a">Storm Fury on the Plains presents critical storm safety information</a>

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Kansas until 3 a.m. CDT.

U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) meteorologists have narrowed down further details of tonight's system, with chances for severe weather&nbsp;

Numerous north-central Kansas communities received almost an inch of rain from yesterday's late-night system, and tonight, some residents could see another round of severe weather.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC), forecasters predict storms to form in western Kansas and march across the state, bringing along strong 75-85 mph west of central Kansas.

Once storms reach counties like Ellsworth, Saline, Ottawa, McPherson and neighboring communities, SPC forecasters predict a lower chance of severe winds.

Storms will likely reach the Salina area late this evening, with thunderstorm chances rising near town around midnight to 4 a.m.

<a href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html">Complete NOAA SPC Forecast for Kansas</a>

Large to very large hail will be a risk with this more discrete convection. But, upscale growth into an intense bowing cluster appears likely across parts of far eastern CO into western/central KS by late afternoon/early evening as a low-level jet gradually strengthens.

Numerous severe wind gusts, some potentially significant (up to 75-85 mph), should occur with this bow through at least late evening as it moves quickly eastward over KS.

Latest guidance continues to show the greatest large hail and severe wind threat in/near the Enhanced Risk, so only small expansions have been made to the greater wind probabilities in southwest/central KS with this update.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/recent-precipitation">Recent Precipitation</a>

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e5c8aeaf-d181-4198-ac4e-dd23ca350811">🎙King in the Community — Salina Police Chief, C.J. Wise</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717907180865.jpeg" alt="Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTStorms continue tracking across western Kansas tonight, with possible wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph and quarter-sized hail, according to the U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita).Stay updated with the latest watches and warnings by visiting the <a target="_blank" href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Salina Post Severe Weather page.&nbsp;</a>NWS Wichita meteorologists recommend keeping two or more communication devices, such as a smartphone, radio, television or other device, to stay updated on the most recent severe weather information.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/09dc28b7-e3f5-48b7-a7ce-b6180532097a">Storm Fury on the Plains presents critical storm safety information</a>By SALINA POST<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717903845820.jpeg" alt="Thunderstorm watch until 3 a.m. Sunday June 9. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Thunderstorm watch until 3 a.m. Sunday June 9. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Kansas until 3 a.m. CDT.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717881282965.jpeg" alt="Storms are expected to move in from the west tonight and start affecting west-central Kansas generally after 10 pm and southeast Kansas generally after 2 a.m. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Storms are expected to move in from the west tonight and start affecting west-central Kansas generally after 10 pm and southeast Kansas generally after 2 a.m. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>Updated 06/08/2024 4:20 p.m.By SALINA POSTU.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) meteorologists have narrowed down further details of tonight's system, with chances for severe weather&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717881624769.jpeg" alt="Storms will move-in from the west late tonight. Strong to severe storms are likely, with the main threats 60 to 80 mph straight-line winds along with heavy rain and potential flooding. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Storms will move-in from the west late tonight. Strong to severe storms are likely, with the main threats 60 to 80 mph straight-line winds along with heavy rain and potential flooding. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717874908321.jpeg" alt="Scattered to numerous thunderstorms will increase from the west this evening. Strong to severe storms are likely, with the greatest severe weather threat generally west of the Flint Hills before 1 a.m. Thunderstorm chances this evening through tonight, Saturday, June 8. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Scattered to numerous thunderstorms will increase from the west this evening. Strong to severe storms are likely, with the greatest severe weather threat generally west of the Flint Hills before 1 a.m. Thunderstorm chances this evening through tonight, Saturday, June 8. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTNumerous north-central Kansas communities received almost an inch of rain from yesterday's late-night system, and tonight, some residents could see another round of severe weather.According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC), forecasters predict storms to form in western Kansas and march across the state, bringing along strong 75-85 mph west of central Kansas.Once storms reach counties like Ellsworth, Saline, Ottawa, McPherson and neighboring communities, SPC forecasters predict a lower chance of severe winds.Storms will likely reach the Salina area late this evening, with thunderstorm chances rising near town around midnight to 4 a.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717878327423.png" alt="National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) Categorical Outlook on Saturday, June 8. Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC" />
 <figcaption>National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) Categorical Outlook on Saturday, June 8. Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html">Complete NOAA SPC Forecast for Kansas</a>Excerpt from the forecastLarge to very large hail will be a risk with this more discrete convection. But, upscale growth into an intense bowing cluster appears likely across parts of far eastern CO into western/central KS by late afternoon/early evening as a low-level jet gradually strengthens. Numerous severe wind gusts, some potentially significant (up to 75-85 mph), should occur with this bow through at least late evening as it moves quickly eastward over KS. Latest guidance continues to show the greatest large hail and severe wind threat in/near the Enhanced Risk, so only small expansions have been made to the greater wind probabilities in southwest/central KS with this update.<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/recent-precipitation">Recent Precipitation</a>LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e5c8aeaf-d181-4198-ac4e-dd23ca350811">🎙King in the Community — Salina Police Chief, C.J. Wise</a>

UPDATED: Thunderstorms with possible 60-80 mph developing in central Kansas

A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 1115 PM CDT for Lincoln, Ellsworth and northeastern Barton counties.

At 10:06 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles north of Ellsworth, moving east at 55 mph.

Hazard 70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

Impact Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Locations impacted include Ellsworth, Wilson, Claflin, Kanopolis, Lincoln, Holyrood, Sylvan Grove, Beverly, Lorraine, Barnard, Ash Grove, Westfall, Ellsworth Airport, Kanopolis Lake, Kanopolis State Park, Odin, and Wilson State Park.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Russell and North Central Barton Counties

At 1003 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Wilson, moving east at 30 mph.

Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Dorrance, Wilson State Park, and Wilson Lake.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

At 9:49 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Dorrance, or near Wilson, moving southeast at&nbsp;30 mph. An&nbsp;81 mph&nbsp;gust was observed at Russell Airport.

Hazard80 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.

ImpactFlying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be heavily damaged. Expect considerable damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Extensive tree damage and power outages are likely.

Locations impacted include Russell, Lucas, Dorrance, Milberger, Bunker Hill, Susank, Wilson State Park, Wilson Lake, and Russell Airport.

Precautionary/preparedness actionsFor your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Thunderstorm damage threatDestructive

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska until 11 p.m. CDT.

Vigilancia de Tormenta Severa ha sido emitida para partes de Iowa, Kansas, Missouri y Nebraska hasta las 11 p.m. CDT.

If storm can make it to portions of central Kansas, half-dollar sized hail 60-70 mph wind gusts are possible. Make sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings and weather information tonight.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717816213774.jpeg" alt="NWS" />
 <figcaption>NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 1115 PM CDT for Lincoln, Ellsworth and northeastern Barton counties.At 10:06 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles north of Ellsworth, moving east at 55 mph.Hazard 70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.Source Radar indicated.Impact Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.Locations impacted include Ellsworth, Wilson, Claflin, Kanopolis, Lincoln, Holyrood, Sylvan Grove, Beverly, Lorraine, Barnard, Ash Grove, Westfall, Ellsworth Airport, Kanopolis Lake, Kanopolis State Park, Odin, and Wilson State Park.Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717815354072.jpeg" alt="NWS" />
 <figcaption>NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Russell and North Central Barton CountiesAt 1003 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Wilson, moving east at 30 mph.Heading: Hazard70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.Heading: SourceRadar indicated.Heading: ImpactHail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.Locations ImpactedDorrance, Wilson State Park, and Wilson Lake.Precautionary/Preparedness ActionsFor your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.At 9:49 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Dorrance, or near Wilson, moving southeast at&nbsp;30 mph. An&nbsp;81 mph&nbsp;gust was observed at Russell Airport.This is a destructive storm!Hazard80 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.SourceRadar indicated.ImpactFlying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be heavily damaged. Expect considerable damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Extensive tree damage and power outages are likely.Locations impacted include Russell, Lucas, Dorrance, Milberger, Bunker Hill, Susank, Wilson State Park, Wilson Lake, and Russell Airport.Precautionary/preparedness actionsFor your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.Thunderstorm damage threatDestructiveHail threatRadar indicatedMax hail size1.00 inWind threatObservedMax wind gust80 mph<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717813633695.jpeg" alt="A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska until 11 PM CDT. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska until 11 PM CDT. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska until 11 p.m. CDT.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717813770581.jpeg" alt="Vigilancia de Tormenta Severa ha sido emitida para partes de Iowa, Kansas, Missouri y Nebraska hasta las 11 PM CDT. Gráfico cortesía del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional de Estados Unidos Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Vigilancia de Tormenta Severa ha sido emitida para partes de Iowa, Kansas, Missouri y Nebraska hasta las 11 PM CDT. Gráfico cortesía del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional de Estados Unidos Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>Vigilancia de Tormenta Severa ha sido emitida para partes de Iowa, Kansas, Missouri y Nebraska hasta las 11 p.m. CDT.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717813820413.jpeg" alt="Severe storms have developed across portions of northwest Kansas and are moving southeast this evening.&nbsp;Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Severe storms have developed across portions of northwest Kansas and are moving southeast this evening.&nbsp;Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>If storm can make it to portions of central Kansas, half-dollar sized hail 60-70 mph wind gusts are possible. Make sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings and weather information tonight.

UPDATED: NWS severe thunderstorm warning issued in our area

Precipitation data courtesy <a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a> and <a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716730713310.png" alt="A large storm front looms west of Salina at about 6 p.m., Sunday, May 19. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>A large storm front looms west of Salina at about 6 p.m., Sunday, May 19. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Precipitation data courtesy <a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a> and <a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;As of 06/05/2024 at 8:38 a.m.Salina —&nbsp; 0.09 inchesConcordia — 1.06 inchesEllsworth — 0.10 inchesLindsborg —&nbsp; 0.19 inchesAbilene —&nbsp; 1.24 inchesClay Center — 0.05 inchesMinneapolis — 0.05 inchesBeverly — 0.11 inchesMcPherson — 1.01 inchesGypsum — 0.06 inchesInman — 0.61 inchesPeabody — 0.59 inchesAssaria — 0.04 inches

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe thunderstorm warning for Northwestern Rice County in central Kansas, Western Ellsworth County in central Kansas, Northeastern Barton County in central Kansas until 3:30 p.m. CDT.

At 2:34 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Claflin, moving east to northeast at 20 to 30 mph.

People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles.

Locations impacted include Ellsworth, Claflin, Holyrood, Bushton, Lorraine, Frederick, Cheyenne Bottoms, and Odin.

Precautionary/preparedness actions For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 2:25 p.m.Tue Jun 4 2024 Severe thunderstorm watch 390 is in effect until 9:00 PM CDT For the following locations:

Brown Butler Chase Clay Cloud Dickinson Ellsworth Geary Harvey Jackson Kingman Lincoln Lyon Marion Marshall McPherson Morris Nemaha Ottawa Pottawatomie Reno Republic Rice Riley Saline Sedgwick Wabaunsee Washington

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued Severe Thunderstorm Warning for  Northwestern Ottawa County in north central Kansas Southwestern Cloud County in north central Kansas until 3:15 p.m. CDT.

At 2:22 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Simpson,  moving east at 20 mph.

HAZARD 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.

IMPACT Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include &nbsp;Glasco and Delphos.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

NWS-Wichita: Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued in our area

A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 2:30 p.m. FOR WESTERN LINCOLN AND NORTHWESTERN ELLSWORTH COUNTIES

At 1:46 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 10 miles northwest of Claflin, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD Ping pong ball size hail.

IMPACT People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles.

Locations impacted included: Ellsworth, Hoisington, Claflin, Holyrood, Lorraine, Ellsworth Airport, and Odin.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717530271958.png" alt="NWS Wichita" />
 <figcaption>NWS Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe thunderstorm warning for Northwestern Rice County in central Kansas, Western Ellsworth County in central Kansas, Northeastern Barton County in central Kansas until 3:30 p.m. CDT.At 2:34 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Claflin, moving east to northeast at 20 to 30 mph.HazardPing pong ball size hail.SourceRadar indicated.ImpactPeople and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles.Locations impacted include Ellsworth, Claflin, Holyrood, Bushton, Lorraine, Frederick, Cheyenne Bottoms, and Odin.Precautionary/preparedness actions For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.By SALINA POST<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717530085103.jpeg" alt="Severe Thunderstorm Watch" />
 <figcaption>Severe Thunderstorm Watch</figcaption>
 </figure>NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 2:25 p.m.Tue Jun 4 2024 Severe thunderstorm watch 390 is in effect until 9:00 PM CDT For the following locations:Brown Butler Chase Clay Cloud Dickinson Ellsworth Geary Harvey Jackson Kingman Lincoln Lyon Marion Marshall McPherson Morris Nemaha Ottawa Pottawatomie Reno Republic Rice Riley Saline Sedgwick Wabaunsee Washington&nbsp;By SALINA POST<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717529685516.jpeg" alt="NWS WICHITA" />
 <figcaption>NWS WICHITA</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Northwestern Ottawa County in north central Kansas Southwestern Cloud County in north central Kansas until 3:15 p.m. CDT.At 2:22 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Simpson, moving east at 20 mph. HAZARD 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. SOURCE Radar indicated. IMPACT Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.Locations impacted include &nbsp;Glasco and Delphos.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.<h2>NWS-Wichita: Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued in our area</h2>By SALINA POST<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717527676386.jpeg" alt="Severe Thunderstorm Warning" />
 <figcaption>Severe Thunderstorm Warning</figcaption>
 </figure>A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 2:30 p.m. FOR WESTERN LINCOLN AND NORTHWESTERN ELLSWORTH COUNTIESAt 1:46 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 10 miles northwest of Claflin, moving east at 25 mph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717527765323.jpeg" alt="Severe Thunderstorm Warning" />
 <figcaption>Severe Thunderstorm Warning</figcaption>
 </figure>HAZARD Ping pong ball size hail.SOURCE Radar indicated.IMPACT People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles.Locations impacted included: Ellsworth, Hoisington, Claflin, Holyrood, Lorraine, Ellsworth Airport, and Odin.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONSFor your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.HAIL THREAT OBSERVEDMAX HAIL SIZE 1.50 INWIND THREAT RADAR INDICATEDMAX WIND GUST &lt;50 MPH

UPDATED: Severe weather updates, June 4

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648176291467.jpeg" alt="CoCoRaHS logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>CoCoRaHS logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTPrecipitation data courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;Salina —&nbsp; 1.51 inchesConcordia — 0.06 inchesEllsworth — 0.00 inchesLindsborg —&nbsp; 0.31 inchesAbilene —&nbsp; 0.01 inchesClay Center — 0.45 inchesMinneapolis — 0.37 inchesBeverly — 1.50 inchesMcPherson — 0.57 inchesGypsum — 0.86 inchesInman — 0.36 inchesPeabody — 0.02 inchesAssaria — 0.86 inches

CoCoRahs 24-hour rain totals

At 7:26 p.m. May 31, The National Weather Service in Wichita issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for northern McPherson County in central Kansas, northwestern Marion County in central Kansas, and Southeastern Saline County in central Kansas Until 8:30 p.m.
* 

At 7:25 p.m. a severe thunderstorm was located near Assaria, or near Lindsborg, moving southeast at 20 mph.
 &nbsp;

HAZARD 60 mph wind gusts.
 &nbsp; SOURCE Radar indicated.
 &nbsp;IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
 &nbsp;Mcpherson, Lindsborg, Galva, Marquette, Assaria, Gypsum, Tampa,
 &nbsp;Bridgeport, Mcpherson Airport, and Roxbury.&nbsp;

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
Wind damage with this storm will occur before any rain or lightning.
Do not wait for the sound of thunder before taking cover. SEEK
SHELTER IMMEDIATELY &nbsp;inside a sturdy structure and stay away from
windows.
Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717202337517.png" alt="NWS Wichita" />
 <figcaption>NWS Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>NWS-WichitaAt 7:26 p.m. May 31, The National Weather Service in Wichita issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for northern McPherson County in central Kansas, northwestern Marion County in central Kansas, and Southeastern Saline County in central Kansas Until 8:30 p.m.
* At 7:25 p.m. a severe thunderstorm was located near Assaria, or near Lindsborg, moving southeast at 20 mph.
 &nbsp;HAZARD 60 mph wind gusts.
 &nbsp; SOURCE Radar indicated.
 &nbsp;IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
 &nbsp;Mcpherson, Lindsborg, Galva, Marquette, Assaria, Gypsum, Tampa,
 &nbsp;Bridgeport, Mcpherson Airport, and Roxbury.&nbsp;PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
Wind damage with this storm will occur before any rain or lightning.
Do not wait for the sound of thunder before taking cover. SEEK
SHELTER IMMEDIATELY &nbsp;inside a sturdy structure and stay away from
windows.
Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NWS-Wichita May 31 weather updates

This Afternoon Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 73. South southeast wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely before 10 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10 p.m and 1 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a> Friday A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. East wind 6 to 9 mph. Friday Night A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. East wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south southeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Saturday Night A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Sunday A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Sunday Night A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.&nbsp;&nbsp;

READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b9f9c6b0-14e9-4cad-8d89-193f20915956">Salina man arrested for early morning assault</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717091497861.png" alt="NWS-Wichita four day weather forecast" />
 <figcaption>NWS-Wichita four day weather forecast</figcaption>
 </figure>This Afternoon Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 73. South southeast wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely before 10 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10 p.m and 1 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a> Friday A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. East wind 6 to 9 mph. Friday Night A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. East wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south southeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Saturday Night A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.Sunday A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Sunday Night A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.&nbsp;&nbsp;READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b9f9c6b0-14e9-4cad-8d89-193f20915956">Salina man arrested for early morning assault</a>

NWS-Wichita four day weather forecast

Today A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming east 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Tonight A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. East wind 6 to 9 mph becoming south in the evening. The chance of precipitation is 20%. Wednesday A 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Wednesday Night A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Thursday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 4 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. South southeast wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716904408575.png" alt="NWS-Wichita three day weather forecast" />
 <figcaption>NWS-Wichita three day weather forecast</figcaption>
 </figure>Today A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming east 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Tonight A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. East wind 6 to 9 mph becoming south in the evening. The chance of precipitation is 20%. Wednesday A 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Wednesday Night A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Thursday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 4 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. South southeast wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NWS-Wichita: Three day weather forecast, storms possible

Early this morning, a string of thunderstorms brought flash flooding warnings and more than two inches of rain to Delphos, Jamestown, Cuba and Beloit.

A far northeastern rural Ottowa County CoCoRaHS collaborator reported 3.33 inches of rain.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/recent-precipitation">Recent Precipitation</a>

Today A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. North northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 55. West northwest wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Memorial Day Sunny, with a high near 83. North northwest wind 8 to 13 mph.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light northeast in the evening.

Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers before 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming east southeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low of around 56. The chance of precipitation is 20%

The National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) issued a tornado watch for portions of northern Kansas.

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

Storms loom in the forecast again for much of the central Plains today, with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) meteorologists predicting 70 to 80 mph wind gusts, large hail and the possibility for tornadoes.

National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) meteorologists predict that storms will reach the Saline County region between 7 and 10 p.m. today, while severe weather could begin as early as 4 p.m. across portions of Texas and Oklahoma.

Salina experienced a chilly morning, with the Salina Regional Airport reporting a brisk 55.9 degrees at 5:53 a.m. and a dew point of 48.9 degrees.

"It was a pretty cool chilly morning, so it's going to take quite a while for the deep moisture to get up into the Salina area," said NWS Wichita Meteorologist Scott Smith. "I would say that after the seven or eight o'clock timeframe would be when you see any impacts, and most likely, the storms would develop off to the West and head toward Salina, so it could be even later than that."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3969fc82-b07d-4d4e-885d-fe75a7799560">🎥UPDATED: Severe weather coverage May 19 — Salina Airport reports 100 mph winds</a>

The city of Salina lies on the edge of the moderate-risk area defined by the NOAA SPC categorical outlook. Still, much of Saline County and south central Kansas have higher risks for damaging severe weather.

Smith said that storms that may later reach the Salina region will likely begin as isolated storms in western Kansas but have the chance to congeal into a line of storms often referred to as a squall line, decreasing the chance of tornadoes.

Although the threat of tornadoes decreases when isolated storms become a squall line, the danger of 80 mph straight-line winds and damaging hail remains a significant concern.

"You can't rule out a tornado even in that scenario, but tornadoes would be more likely early on, and then your strong, straight, damaging winds later as they hedge their way to the Salina region," Scott said.

These squall lines often bring heavy rains alongside the large hail and strong wind gusts.&nbsp;

Smith said that although meteorologists at the NOAA SPC and NWS Wichita have a medium level of confidence in which areas will see storms this evening, residents should prepare accordingly with at least two ways to receive weather information, like a smartphone and weather radio or any other combination of receiving weather information, and have an action plan for when severe weather hits.

Salina Post will continue to update weather information throughout the afternoon and evening. Check back to see significant updates on where severe weather is in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716730363267.png" alt="Radar image of a few thunderstorms through Kansas's north-central and northeast regions early this morning around 1:45 a.m. Image courtesy GR2Analyst provided by National Weather Service Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Radar image of a few thunderstorms through Kansas's north-central and northeast regions early this morning around 1:45 a.m. Image courtesy GR2Analyst provided by National Weather Service Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTEarly this morning, a string of thunderstorms brought flash flooding warnings and more than two inches of rain to Delphos, Jamestown, Cuba and Beloit.A far northeastern rural Ottowa County CoCoRaHS collaborator reported 3.33 inches of rain.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/recent-precipitation">Recent Precipitation</a><h2>NWS Wichita Three-day forecast</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716729248906.png" alt="A quick look at the three-day forecast for Saline County. Graphic courtesy National Weather Service (NWS)" />
 <figcaption>A quick look at the three-day forecast for Saline County. Graphic courtesy National Weather Service (NWS)</figcaption>
 </figure>Today A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. North northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 55. West northwest wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Memorial Day Sunny, with a high near 83. North northwest wind 8 to 13 mph.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light northeast in the evening.Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers before 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming east southeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.Tuesday Night A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low of around 56. The chance of precipitation is 20%<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676492401.jpeg" alt="Tornado watch issued on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Graphic courtesy NWS Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Tornado watch issued on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Graphic courtesy NWS Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) issued a tornado watch for portions of northern Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716651743248.png" alt="A closer look at where severe weather may impact on Saturday, May 25, with areas of south central Kansas having a more significant chance for baseball size hail and tornadoes.&nbsp;Graphic courtesy National Weather Service Wichita provided by Saline County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>A closer look at where severe weather may impact on Saturday, May 25, with areas of south central Kansas having a more significant chance for baseball size hail and tornadoes.&nbsp;Graphic courtesy National Weather Service Wichita provided by Saline County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostStorms loom in the forecast again for much of the central Plains today, with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) meteorologists predicting 70 to 80 mph wind gusts, large hail and the possibility for tornadoes.National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) meteorologists predict that storms will reach the Saline County region between 7 and 10 p.m. today, while severe weather could begin as early as 4 p.m. across portions of Texas and Oklahoma.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716651550599.png" alt="The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) Categorical Outlook for Saturday, May 25. Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC" />
 <figcaption>The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) Categorical Outlook for Saturday, May 25. Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina experienced a chilly morning, with the Salina Regional Airport reporting a brisk 55.9 degrees at 5:53 a.m. and a dew point of 48.9 degrees."It was a pretty cool chilly morning, so it's going to take quite a while for the deep moisture to get up into the Salina area," said NWS Wichita Meteorologist Scott Smith. "I would say that after the seven or eight o'clock timeframe would be when you see any impacts, and most likely, the storms would develop off to the West and head toward Salina, so it could be even later than that."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3969fc82-b07d-4d4e-885d-fe75a7799560">🎥UPDATED: Severe weather coverage May 19 — Salina Airport reports 100 mph winds</a>The city of Salina lies on the edge of the moderate-risk area defined by the NOAA SPC categorical outlook. Still, much of Saline County and south central Kansas have higher risks for damaging severe weather.Smith said that storms that may later reach the Salina region will likely begin as isolated storms in western Kansas but have the chance to congeal into a line of storms often referred to as a squall line, decreasing the chance of tornadoes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716651823097.png" alt="National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) predicts severe weather to impact the Salina region between 7 and 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. Graphic courtesy National Weather Service Wichita provided by Saline County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) predicts severe weather to impact the Salina region between 7 and 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. Graphic courtesy National Weather Service Wichita provided by Saline County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>Although the threat of tornadoes decreases when isolated storms become a squall line, the danger of 80 mph straight-line winds and damaging hail remains a significant concern."You can't rule out a tornado even in that scenario, but tornadoes would be more likely early on, and then your strong, straight, damaging winds later as they hedge their way to the Salina region," Scott said.These squall lines often bring heavy rains alongside the large hail and strong wind gusts.&nbsp;Smith said that although meteorologists at the NOAA SPC and NWS Wichita have a medium level of confidence in which areas will see storms this evening, residents should prepare accordingly with at least two ways to receive weather information, like a smartphone and weather radio or any other combination of receiving weather information, and have an action plan for when severe weather hits.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716652079344.png" alt="Critical ways to stay weather aware provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Graphic courtesy NOAA provided by Saline County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Critical ways to stay weather aware provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Graphic courtesy NOAA provided by Saline County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Post will continue to update weather information throughout the afternoon and evening. Check back to see significant updates on where severe weather is in Kansas.

UPDATED: Heavy rain in north-central and northeast Kansas early this morning

Today A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Breezy, with a south wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 59. South-southeast wind 16 to 18 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday Sunny, with a high near 77. Northwest wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low of around 51. North wind 6 to 11 mph becoming light and variable. Saturday A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Saturday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.&nbsp;&nbsp;

LISTEN MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/86bc4f88-991d-4e2c-8964-b6b3c917cc2f">🎙King in the Community — Kansas Secretary of State, Scott Schwab</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716477912300.png" alt="Five day weather forecast for the City of Salina" />
 <figcaption>Five day weather forecast for the City of Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>NWS-WichitaToday A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Breezy, with a south wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 59. South-southeast wind 16 to 18 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday Sunny, with a high near 77. Northwest wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low of around 51. North wind 6 to 11 mph becoming light and variable. Saturday A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Saturday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Sunday A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.&nbsp;&nbsp;LISTEN MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/86bc4f88-991d-4e2c-8964-b6b3c917cc2f">🎙King in the Community — Kansas Secretary of State, Scott Schwab</a>

NWS Wichita — holiday weekend weather outlook

The City of Russell and Russell County experienced severe weather on the afternoon of May 19.

A tornado warning preceded the storm that swept through the area, causing golf ball-sized hail and 82 mph wind gusts. The storm caused significant damage to homes, businesses, vehicles, and the&nbsp;City's&nbsp;electric distribution system. Three structures&nbsp;were&nbsp;completely&nbsp;leveled.

At 3:28 p.m. on Sunday, the tornado sirens&nbsp;were activated&nbsp;in Russell, and the National Weather Service issued a warning for a confirmed tornado on the ground west of the&nbsp;city. Additional reports from law enforcement and storm spotters confirmed tornadoes between Gorham and Russell moving east toward the&nbsp;city.&nbsp;

The storm's impact was extensive, resulting in widespread power outages across the&nbsp;city. At approximately 3:38 p.m., several areas lost power, followed by the rest of the service area at 4 p.m. In response, the&nbsp;city&nbsp;activated its emergency operations plan, prioritizing life safety, property protection, public welfare, and the restoration of city services.&nbsp;

City crews immediately began clearing streets of downed trees and other debris, restricting access to areas with downed power lines, conducting damage assessments, and working on restoring electric service and maintaining water and wastewater services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716394721686.jpeg" alt="May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas.&nbsp;Images Courtesy City of Russell" />
 <figcaption>May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas.&nbsp;Images Courtesy City of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted by the City of RussellThe City of Russell and Russell County experienced severe weather on the afternoon of May 19.A tornado warning preceded the storm that swept through the area, causing golf ball-sized hail and 82 mph wind gusts. The storm caused significant damage to homes, businesses, vehicles, and the&nbsp;City's&nbsp;electric distribution system. Three structures&nbsp;were&nbsp;completely&nbsp;leveled.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716217843765.jpeg" alt="May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas.&nbsp;Images Courtesy City of Russell" />
 <figcaption>May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas.&nbsp;Images Courtesy City of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>At 3:28 p.m. on Sunday, the tornado sirens&nbsp;were activated&nbsp;in Russell, and the National Weather Service issued a warning for a confirmed tornado on the ground west of the&nbsp;city. Additional reports from law enforcement and storm spotters confirmed tornadoes between Gorham and Russell moving east toward the&nbsp;city.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716395290408.jpeg" alt="May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas. Images Courtesy City of Russell" />
 <figcaption>May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas. Images Courtesy City of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>The storm's impact was extensive, resulting in widespread power outages across the&nbsp;city. At approximately 3:38 p.m., several areas lost power, followed by the rest of the service area at 4 p.m. In response, the&nbsp;city&nbsp;activated its emergency operations plan, prioritizing life safety, property protection, public welfare, and the restoration of city services.&nbsp;City crews immediately began clearing streets of downed trees and other debris, restricting access to areas with downed power lines, conducting damage assessments, and working on restoring electric service and maintaining water and wastewater services.Russell City Manager Jon Quinday reported no injuries.&nbsp;Electric service was restored&nbsp;to most of the&nbsp;city&nbsp;by midnight. However, approximately 116 Oakdale, Sunset, Margaret, and South Front Street customers remained without power until Monday afternoon, when&nbsp;the damage was repaired.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716395303557.jpeg" alt="May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas. Images Courtesy City of Russell" />
 <figcaption>May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas. Images Courtesy City of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>Individual customers with property or meter box damage requiring the work of a licensed electrician will need to complete repairs before power can&nbsp;be restored&nbsp;to their properties.The City of Russell received invaluable support through mutual aid coordinated by the Kansas Municipal Utilities. The cities of Garden City, Ellinwood, Hoisington, and Pratt sent electric linemen, equipment, and power poles to assist in rebuilding downed power lines and repairing damaged circuits.&nbsp;The Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) also contributed their Manager of Field Services –a journeyman lineman with extensive experience in electrical substations - and a lineman to support the&nbsp;city's&nbsp;efforts. The&nbsp;city&nbsp;of Colby provided power poles to expedite service restoration. This collaboration expanded the&nbsp;city's&nbsp;resources from five linemen to 17.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716395317398.jpeg" alt="May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas. Images Courtesy City of Russell" />
 <figcaption>May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas. Images Courtesy City of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>City Manager Quinday praised the collective efforts, stating, "The response we received from these cities and KMEA is at the heart of what public power communities do and exemplifies the spirit of Kansas. I am proud of the work of all city crews and our mutual aid partners during and after Sunday's storm. Their dedication to restoring services and returning the community to normal is at the heart of public service."At the May 21, 2024, city council meeting, the Mayor and City council expressed their gratitude and thanked city staff for everything they do daily in service to others, especially their exemplary response to&nbsp;major&nbsp;events such as Sunday's storm and subsequent recovery efforts.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3969fc82-b07d-4d4e-885d-fe75a7799560">🎥UPDATED: Severe weather coverage May 19 — Salina Airport reports 100 mph winds</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716395335673.jpeg" alt="May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas. Images Courtesy City of Russell" />
 <figcaption>May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas. Images Courtesy City of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>City crews will continue cleaning up storm damage and repairing infrastructure over the next few weeks. Starting Thursday, May 23, city crews, with assistance from the Russell County Highway Department, will begin picking up trees and tree limbs of customers who have called the city clerk's office to get on the pickup list.The National Weather Service of Wichita confirmed two tornado damage areas from Sunday's storms, one northwest of Russell and the other northeast of Wilson. Both tornadoes were rated EF-1. The tornado northwest of Russell had estimated peak winds of 98 mph and a path length of 1.7 miles.A preliminary damage assessment by city staff indicates that 27 residences and 16 commercial properties received damage, ranging from multiple broken windows, damaged siding, and roofs to severe roof damage and two destroyed garages. These numbers do not include damage to public facilities – many of which&nbsp;were also damaged&nbsp;in the storm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716395352846.jpeg" alt="May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas. Images Courtesy City of Russell" />
 <figcaption>May 19 storm damage in the City of Russell, Kansas. Images Courtesy City of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service sent a team to assess the damage within the City of Russell to determine whether a tornado, straight-line winds, or a combination caused the widespread damage throughout the community.&nbsp;Thank you to everyone for your patience and those who extended a helping hand to others during and after this storm. Witnessing how our community comes together in times of need is truly inspiring.