May 07, 2024

UPDATED — Severe Thunderstorm updates, May 6

Posted May 07, 2024 12:56 PM
May 6, 2024 storm looking West toward Abilene from Enterprise, Kansas on Interstate 70 at approximately 8:15 p.m.&nbsp;<b>Photo Courtesy Lindsey Cadle</b>
May 6, 2024 storm looking West toward Abilene from Enterprise, Kansas on Interstate 70 at approximately 8:15 p.m. Photo Courtesy Lindsey Cadle

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NWS Wichita
NWS Wichita
K18 and Dietrich Road at 8:32 p.m. facing South towards Milford Lake.&nbsp;<b>Photo Courtesy Devin Haney</b>
K18 and Dietrich Road at 8:32 p.m. facing South towards Milford Lake. Photo Courtesy Devin Haney

This video was captured at about 6 p.m. on May 6, 2024, approximately half of a mile south of Assaria, Kansas. Video by Salina Post Lead Reporter, Olivia Bergmeier.

Updated 11:05 a.m. May 7, 2024

By SALINA POST

A number of severe storms swept through our area last night. See below for all May 6, 2024 storm watches and warnings for our coverage area.

. . .

Severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 9:30 p.m. (EXPIRED)

By SALINA POST

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9:30 p.m. CDT FOR NORTH CENTRAL RILEY AND NORTHWESTERN POTTAWATOMIE COUNTIES.

At 9:00 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Tuttle Creek Lake, moving northeast at 45 mph.

THIS IS A DESTRUCTIVE STORM FOR northern Riley County and western Pottawatomie County.

HAZARD
Baseball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE
Public. At 8:45 p.m., public reported 2 inch hail 1 mile southeast of Riley.

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

Locations impacted include:
Blaine, Olsburg, Randolph, and Tuttle Creek Lake

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. CDT for northeastern

. . .

nws logo.jpg
nws logo.jpg

By SALINA POST

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Northwestern Geary County in east central Kansas, West central Riley County in northeastern Kansas, West central Pottawatomie County in northeastern Kansas, Southeastern Clay County in north central Kansas until 9:00 p.m.(EXPIRED)

At 8:34 p.m. a severe thunderstorm was located near Milford, moving northeast at 40 mph.

THIS IS A DESTRUCTIVE STORM FOR locations near Milford Lake and central Riley counties.

HAZARD
Softball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE
Emergency management

At 8:30 p.m., Emergency Management reported softball-sized hail near Upland.

IMPACT
People and animals outdoors will be severely injured. Expect shattered windows, and extensive damage to roofs, siding, and vehicles. * This severe thunderstorm will be near... Riley and Leonardville around 8:40 p.m. CDT

. . .

TORNADO WARNING ISSUED FOR NORTHEASTERN DICKINSON, GEARY and RILEY COUNTIES (EXPIRED)

By SALINA POST

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Tornado Warning for  Northeastern Dickinson County in central Kansas, Northwestern Geary County in east central Kansas, Southwestern Riley County in northeastern Kansas, and Southeastern Clay County in north central Kansas until 8:45 p.m. CDT.

At 8:08 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado  was located near Moonlight, moving northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD
Tornado and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE
Weather spotters reported a funnel cloud. At 8:06 p.m., trained spotters reported a funnel cloud 1 mile east of Abilene.

IMPACT
Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without  shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.  Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree  damage is likely.

Locations impacted include:
Junction City, Abilene, Chapman, Wakefield, Milford, Milford Lake, and Moonlight.

This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 275 and 288.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

TAKE COVER NOW!
Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

. . .

Tornado Warning Issued for Dickinson County (EXPIRED)

By SALINA POST

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for Northern Dickinson County effective until 815 p.m. CDT.

At 7:47 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 7 miles south of Solomon, moving northeast at 35 mph.

HAZARD
Tornado and ping pong ball size hail.

SOURCE
Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT
Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

Locations impacted include
Abilene, Enterprise, and Talmage. This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 268 and 283.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS TAKE COVER NOW!
Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

Know where to go when sheltering for a tornado
Know where to go when sheltering for a tornado

. . .

By SALINA POST

According to the National Weather Service, the tornado warning issued for northern Dickinson County is canceled. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued May 6 at 7:01 p.m. CDT until May 6 at 7:30 p.m. CDT by NWS Topeka KS.

At 7:00 p.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 3 miles east of Talmage to near Enterprise to 3 miles west of Ramona, moving northeast at 55 mph.

HAZARD
60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE
Trained weather spotters. At 6:57 p.m. , a trained spotter reported wind gusts of 60 mph in Abilene.

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

Locations impacted include:
Junction City, Abilene, Herington, Grandview Plaza, Chapman,

Enterprise, White City, Hope, Woodbine, Latimer, and Moonlight.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. CDT for central Kansas.

Read below for additional May 6 weather updates

. . .

Tornado Warning Issued for Northern Dickinson County (EXPIRED)

By SALINA POST

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Tornado Warning for Northern Dickinson County in central Kansas until 7:15 p.m. CDT.

At 6:44 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 7 miles south of Solomon, moving northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD
Tornado and quarter size hail.

SOURCE
Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT
Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

Locations impacted include
Abilene, Chapman, Solomon, Enterprise, Moonlight, and Talmage. This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 267 and 288.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS TAKE COVER NOW!

Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.  

. . .

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Mcpherson, Western Dickinson and Southeastern Saline Counties in effect until 7:00 p.m. (EXPIRED)

By SALINA POST

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7:00 p.m. CDT FOR MCPHERSON, WESTERN DICKINSON AND SOUTHEASTERN SALINE COUNTIES

At 6:22 p.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Assaria to near Lindsborg to near Mcpherson, moving northeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD
70 mph wind gusts and nickel size hail.

SOURCE
Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include
Mcpherson, Lindsborg, Galva, Canton, Marquette, Assaria, Gypsum, Smolan, Falun, Bridgeport, Roxbury, Western Dickinson County in central Kansas and Kipp

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. CDT for central Kansas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. 

. . .

TORNADO WARNING ISSUED FOR PARTS OF WASHINGTON, CLAY AND CLOUD COUNTIES UNTIL 6:30 p.m. (NOW EXPIRED)

By SALINA POST

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Tornado Warning for Southwestern Washington County in north central Kansas, Northwestern Clay County in north central Kansas, Eastern Cloud County in north central Kansas Until 6:30 p.m. CDT. 

At 5:58 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 4 miles northeast of Miltonvale, moving northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD
Tornado

SOURCE
Radar indicated rotation

IMPACT
Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

Locations impacted include
Clyde, Clifton, Miltonvale, Morganville, Palmer, and Vining

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: TAKE COVER NOW!
Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

Tornado Warning including Clyde KS, Clifton KS and Miltonvale KS until 6:30 p.m. CDT

. . .

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR OTTAWA COUNTY  (EXPIRED)

By SALINA POST

Severe Thunderstorm Warning National Weather Service Topeka KS

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Ottawa County in north central Kansas until 6:15 p.m. CDT.

At 5:50 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 5 miles south of Tescott, moving northeast at 50 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
Minneapolis, Bennington, Tescott, Culver, and Wells.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. CDT for central and north central Kansas. 

Storms moving eastward appoximately 0.5 miles south of Assaria on May 6, 2024. <b>Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</b>
Storms moving eastward appoximately 0.5 miles south of Assaria on May 6, 2024. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier

. . .

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR MCPHERSON, RENO, RICE (EXPIRED)

By SALINA POST

Severe Thunderstorm Warning National Weather Service Wichita KS

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southwestern McPherson County in central Kansas, North central Reno County in south-central Kansas, and Southeastern Rice County in central Kansas until 6:30 p.m. CDT.

At 5:24 p.m.  CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles southwest of Sterling, moving northeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD
70 mph wind gusts and ping pong ball size hail.

SOURCE
Radar indicated.

IMPACT
People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Locations impacted include
Mcpherson, Lyons, Sterling, Inman, Nickerson, Little River, Alden, Windom, Willowbrook, and Mcpherson Airport.

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

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7:00 p.m. CDT for central Kansas. A Tornado Watch also remains in effect until 1100 p.m. CDT for central and south central Kansas.

. . .

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Ellsworth County is Canceled

By SALINA POST

Ellsworth Kansas 5:31 p.m. CDT May 6, 2024

The severe thunderstorm warning for central Ellsworth County is canceled. 

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7:00 p.m. CDT for central Kansas.

. . .

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Ellsworth County (EXPIRED)

By SALINA POST

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Ellsworth County in central Kansas Until 6:00 p.m. CDT

At 4:58 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Holyrood, or  6 miles east of Claflin, moving northeast at 40 mph.

HAZARD
60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE
Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include:
Ellsworth, Kanopolis, Holyrood, Lorraine, Ellsworth Airport, and Kanopolis Lake.

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

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7:00 p.m. CDT for central Kansas. A Tornado Watch also remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. CDT for central Kansas.

. . .

NWS-Wichita issues severe thunderstorm warning in our area

nws logo.jpg
nws logo.jpg

By SALINA POST

Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Wichita KS

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5:00 p.m. CDT

COUNTIES IMPACTED INCLUDE:

NORTHWESTERN RICE
SOUTHWESTERN ELLSWORTH
NORTHEASTERN BARTON COUNTIES

At 4:36 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Ellinwood, moving northeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD
Ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE
Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include

Claflin, Holyrood, Bushton, Lorraine, Cheyenne Bottoms, and Odin.

. . .

Saline County Emergency Management officials remind residents where to go to seek shelter in case of tornadic weather

By SALINA POST

According to Saline County Public Information Officer Melissa McCoy, residents are contacting Saline County Rural Fire Districts inquiring about where to shelter in place during a tornadic event if they do not live in a home with a basement. 

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and your property.

Image Courtesy NWS Wichita
Image Courtesy NWS Wichita

1.  Know where to take shelter.  Your family could be anywhere when a tornado strikes--at home, at work, at school, or in the car. Discuss with your family where the best tornado shelters are and how family members can protect themselves from flying and falling debris.

The key to surviving a tornado and reducing the risk of injury lies in planning, preparing, and practicing what you and your family will do if a tornado strikes. Flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others.

2.  If you’re at home, pick a place in the home where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. One basic rule is AVOID WINDOWS. An exploding window can injure or kill.

The safest place in the home is the interior part of a basement. If there is no basement, go to an inside room, without windows, on the lowest floor. This could be a center hallway, bathroom, or closet.

For added protection, get under something sturdy such as a heavy table or workbench. If possible, cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress, and protect your head with anything available--even your hands. Avoid taking shelter where there are heavy objects, such as pianos or refrigerators, on the area of floor that is directly above you. They could fall though the floor if the tornado strikes your house.

3.  DO NOT STAY IN A MOBILE HOME MANUFACTURED PRIOR to 1976 DURING A TORNADO. Mobile homes built before 1976 are particularly vulnerable to high winds.

Plan ahead. If you live in a mobile home older than 1976, go to a nearby building, preferably one with a basement. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert and shield your head with your hands.

. . .

NWS Wichita Issues Tornado Watch #187 effective until 7:00 p.m.

Tornado Watch 187
Tornado Watch 187

NWS-Wichita

At 11:35 a.m. Monday, May 6 NWS Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma issued Tornado Watch 187. The watch is in effect until 7:00 p.m. and includes the following Kansas counties:

 Barton, Ellis, Ellsworth, Graham, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Smith, Trego.  

. . .

Severe thunderstorms this afternoon-evening, local officials prepare

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER
Lead Reporter - Salina Post

Image Courtesy NWS-Wichita
Image Courtesy NWS-Wichita

The first high risk for severe weather of the season popped up on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center's (NOAA SPC) outlook for Monday, May 6, extending from Wichita to Oklahoma City. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center's (NOAA SPC) Categorical Outlook for Monday, May 6, 2024. <b>Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC</b>
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center's (NOAA SPC) Categorical Outlook for Monday, May 6, 2024. Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC

An enhanced risk encompasses the Salina community and stretches north into Nebraska, spreading the chances for severe weather to a widespread region.

Saline County Emergency Management Deputy Director Alyssa Sanchez said the most common risks for north-central Kansas residents will be high winds and lightning.

Six ways to receive a warning. Check Salina Post for new information as it becomes available and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">severe weather page</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;
Six ways to receive a warning. Check Salina Post for new information as it becomes available and check out our severe weather page.   

"It's really important to go inside," Sanchez said. "If you are not near your house or a building, definitely stay in a car if you hear thunder or see lightning."

The U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) forecasts storms to begin in north central Kansas between 2 and 4 p.m. today, with Salina likely getting storms closer to 4 p.m.

Thunderstorm timing May 6
Thunderstorm timing May 6

NWS Wichita meteorologists expect the storms to begin as isolated supercells, bringing the threat of tornadoes with them. Still, they may become a line of thunderstorms, decreasing the chances for tornadoes but increasing the chances for widespread damaging 80 mph winds.

Meteorologists predict giant hail, up to 2 to 4 inches in diameter, will accompany strong thunderstorms.

Know where to go when sheltering for a tornado
Know where to go when sheltering for a tornado

Sanchez said Emergency Management helps warn residents of these impending storm hazards ahead of time with the localized weather notification system named Code Red.

"People will be the first to know about severe weather in their specific area because we're able to map out where we send out the notification, so we can target it where it's only that specific area that's getting affected," Sanchez said. "Or just the entire county as a whole."

Emergency Management assists residents and first responders through each inclement weather day. Sanchez said that if residents find debris in the road, they can call the Saline County Emergency Management non-emergency line to report downed trees or other dangerous debris.]

Check Salina Post for new information as it becomes available and check out our severe weather page

. . .

NWS-Wichita

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms will affect the region this afternoon and evening. Some of the storms will be severe, capable of very large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. The greatest threat will be over southern Kansas and Oklahoma.

Storm coverage is likely to initially be greatest in south-central Kansas given the greater and earlier upper-level forcing.

Multiple intense, long-track tornadoes are expected, especially in parts of southern Kansas into Oklahoma. Very-large hail of up 2-4 inches can also be expected with intense supercells. Severe gusts may initially be isolated, but storm coverage should increase with time as well as the mode becoming more linear. As this occurs, severe gusts, some up to 80 mph, will become more common.

Check Salina Post for new information as it becomes available and check out our severe weather page