Storms are expected later this evening in the region with the potential of hail/wind and flooding rains. Then more opportunities for severe weather and heavy rains are developing tomorrow afternoon.

We’re currently under an “Enhanced” Risk for severe weather later this afternoon. This is category 3 of 5 from the Storm Prediction Center.

Taking a dive into exactly what that means: a good majority of the metro has the highest possibility in the region for 60-80 mph wind gusts.

Many of us are also in the expected bull’s-eye for larger hail as well.

Our tornado risk is also slightly elevated as well. Many times recently, we’ve fallen under the “brief tornado possible” category. While that is possible for some of us, our tornado chances are slightly elevated as well. The best timeframe for tornadoes to develop looks to be between 5-8 p.m.

Here’s how this looks to play out: sometime after 5 p.m., storms develop in far northern Missouri and northeast Kansas. As these storms drift south, expect the large hail and brief tornado threat to be the greatest.

As these storms move south and combine into one solid line, the damaging wind gusts could reach between 60-80 mph at times. Very heavy rainfall is possible as well as lines of heavy thunderstorms move over the same location often.

The main threats are 60-80 mph wind gusts, 2-plus inch hail, and flash flooding. The tornado threat will be greatest in the evening, but is not the main threat for us tonight. Remain Weather Aware and we’ll keep you posted with any updates.