Kansas City Weather Update: Quarter-Sized Hail and 60 MPH Winds Strike Clay and Platte Counties

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI — Residents in Clay and Platte counties were urged to take shelter early Saturday morning as a severe thunderstorm warning brought quarter-sized hail and strong wind gusts up to 60 mph through parts of the Kansas City metro area, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued Overnight

The NWS issued the warning at 2:42 a.m., noting that the storm was located over Weatherby Lake and moving east at 40 mph. The alert remained in effect until 3:00 a.m.

“Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees,” the agency warned in its statement.

Areas affected included Kansas City, Gladstone, Parkville, Platte City, Riverside, Smithville, and surrounding communities. The warning also covered major highways — Interstate 29, I-635, and I-435 — where visibility and driving conditions were expected to deteriorate rapidly.

Storm Hazards: Hail and Strong Winds

Meteorologists reported that the storms were capable of producing hail up to one inch in diameter, posing a threat to vehicles and outdoor property. Winds near 60 mph also raised the risk of downed branches and minor structural damage.

The NWS emphasized that residents should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of their homes or workplaces until the storm passes.

Safety During Lightning and Heavy Rain

Along with the hail-producing thunderstorms, the system brought significant lightning activity across the metro. The NWS estimates around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the U.S. annually, resulting in roughly 20 fatalities each year.

Officials remind residents to take precautions:

• If you hear thunder, seek indoor shelter immediately.
• Once inside, avoid plumbing, corded phones, and windows.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before going outside.

If you’re caught outdoors and can’t find shelter:

• Stay away from tall trees, open fields, and metal objects.
• Find low ground such as a ravine or ditch, but avoid standing water.
• Spread out if in a group to reduce the chance of multiple injuries from a single lightning strike.

Driving Cautions During Wet Conditions

The NWS also issued reminders for drivers encountering heavy rain and slick roads:

• Turn on headlights to increase visibility.
• Avoid puddles to reduce hydroplaning risk.
• Do not drive through flooded roads — water can conceal road damage or strong currents.
• Maintain a safe following distance from large vehicles that can spray water and obscure vision.

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road surface due to a thin layer of water. To recover control, drivers should ease off the accelerator, steer into the skid, and brake gently once traction is regained.

More Storms Possible Through the Weekend

Forecasters expect additional rounds of scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms later in the day as temperatures remain in the upper 70s before cooling on Sunday.

Residents are encouraged to stay alert for further weather updates and monitor emergency alerts from the National Weather Service.

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