Severe Storms Forecast for Eastern Kansas Today

Forecasters have increased the likelihood of severe weather across eastern Kansas on Friday, April 17, 2026, citing updated timing and confidence in storm development.

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center upgraded the threat level from “enhanced” to “moderate” for much of eastern Kansas early Friday afternoon, indicating greater confidence in a significant, widespread severe weather outbreak.

Storms are expected to develop between 2 and 4 p.m. Along a cold front stretching from south-central to northeast Kansas, just west and north of the Kansas Turnpike. The primary hazards include large hail, damaging winds, and the potential for one or two tornadoes.

As the storms progress eastward between 4 and 6 p.m., they are forecast to organize into a line, increasing the risk of damaging winds and embedded tornadoes. Flash flooding is also possible due to heavy rainfall.

The National Weather Service in Topeka issued a tornado warning covering 40 counties in eastern and central Kansas, including Shawnee County, at 1:35 p.m. CT. Forecasters noted “a few tornadoes” could touch down during the afternoon and evening.

Confidence in the timing and storm evolution is described as “medium” to “high” by the National Weather Service, with particular assurance in the forecast for storms forming and transitioning into a linear structure.

Cities within the affected area include Topeka, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Olathe, Paola, Ottawa, Emporia, Fort Scott, Chanute, Wichita, Newton, and Kansas City, Kansas.

Residents are advised to remain weather-aware, monitor updates from local National Weather Service offices, and have a plan in place for seeking shelter if warnings are issued.