Kansas City Braces for Saturday Thunderstorms with Marble-Sized Hail
The National Weather Service (NWS) recently issued a warning for strong thunderstorms, poised to impact several counties in Missouri. The advisory, released at 2:49 a.m. on Saturday, predicts adverse weather conditions until 3:15 a.m. Residents in Platte, Clay, Jackson, Clinton, and Ray counties should remain on alert as wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph, accompanied by marble-sized hail measuring about 0.5 inches.
Kansas City Prepares for Thunderstorms and Hail
The Doppler radar reports a storm near Ferrelview, close to Smithville, traveling eastward at a speed of 40 mph. Local areas, including Kansas City, Liberty, and Gladstone, might experience gusty winds capable of felling tree limbs and causing minor hail damage to vegetation.
Regions and Highways Affected
- Kansas City
- Liberty
- Gladstone
- Excelsior Springs
- Smithville
- And several other nearby locations
| Highway | Mile Markers |
|---|---|
| Interstate 35 | Mile markers 8 to 33 |
| Interstate 29 | Mile markers 1 to 5 |
| Interstate 635 | Mile markers 11 to 12 |
| Interstate 435 | Mile markers 37 to 54 |
The NWS advises all outdoor individuals to seek shelter indoors promptly. Keeping safety paramount is especially crucial due to the potential threats posed by lightning.
Safety Tips During Thunderstorms and Lightning
Each year, the U.S. sees approximately 25 million lightning strikes, predominantly in summer, resulting in around 20 fatalities. As thunderstorms approach, the likelihood of lightning strikes increases, hitting a peak when the storm is directly overhead.
Precautionary Measures
- Create a plan to find shelter if a storm approaches.
- Seek indoor safety if thunder is heard or the sky darkens.
- Avoid corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing, and exposed windows or doors indoors.
- Wait at least 30 minutes post-storm before resuming outdoor activities.
If indoor safety isn’t an option, stay away from open areas and elevated objects. Maintain distance if you’re in a group, and avoid water or metal, as these conduct electricity.
Driving Safely in Rainy Conditions
When driving during heavy rain, staying cautious is essential to prevent accidents such as hydroplaning. Turning on headlights, maintaining a middle-lane position, and avoiding puddles can significantly enhance road safety.
Avoiding Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle loses traction on wet roads. The water layer accumulates beneath the tires, causing the car to slide without control. To avoid this dangerous situation:
- Reduce speed on wet roads.
- Ensure adequate tire tread depth.
- Be wary of deeper water on roads.
If hydroplaning occurs, gently ease off the accelerator and steer into the skid to realign your tires. Regain traction by steering smoothly and applying brakes carefully if necessary.
