Kansas City Weather Update: Thunderstorms Bring 50 MPH Gusts and Pea-Sized Hail Early Saturday

KANSAS — Residents across the Kansas City metro area woke up to intense weather conditions early Saturday as strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and pea-sized hail moved rapidly across multiple counties.

Thunderstorms Sweep Across the Metro Area

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a line of thunderstorms developed just after 3 a.m., prompting an alert for Clay, Clinton, Caldwell, Livingston, Ray, and Carroll counties through 3:45 a.m.

“At 3:13 a.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Lawson to near Crystal Lakes to Missouri City. Movement was east at 55 mph,” the NWS said in its statement.

Wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph and hail about 0.25 inches in diameter were reported. Officials warned that such gusts could knock down tree limbs, scatter unsecured outdoor items, and cause minor damage to vegetation.

Communities impacted include Liberty, Excelsior Springs, Richmond, Lawson, and Missouri City, among others.

Residents Urged to Stay Indoors

The weather service urged residents to seek immediate shelter indoors and stay away from windows during lightning activity.

“Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building,” the NWS warned.

The thunderstorm alert was expected to expire by 3:45 a.m., though scattered rain showers may linger into the morning as the system moves eastward.

Lightning Safety Tips

The National Weather Service reminds residents that lightning remains one of the deadliest storm threats. Each year, about 25 million lightning strikes occur across the U.S., resulting in roughly 20 fatalities annually.

To stay safe:

• Move indoors immediately if you hear thunder or see lightning.
• Avoid plumbing, corded electronics, and windows while indoors.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning outside.

If shelter isn’t available:

• Stay away from open fields and tall objects.
• Avoid water, wet surfaces, and metal structures, as they conduct electricity.
• Spread out if in a group to reduce multiple injuries from a single strike.

Driving During Heavy Rain

Drivers are also urged to use extra caution amid slick roads and reduced visibility.
The NWS advises motorists to:

• Use headlights even during daylight hours.
• Avoid flooded roads — turn around instead of driving through deep water.
• Maintain safe distance from large vehicles to avoid spray.
• Steer clear of puddles that can cause hydroplaning.

Hydroplaning happens when water builds beneath tires, lifting them off the road surface and causing the car to slide uncontrollably. Drivers should ease off the accelerator, turn gently into the skid, and avoid hard braking until traction returns.

As the storm moves out, cooler air is expected to settle in for the remainder of the weekend, with highs in the mid-60s and clearer skies by Sunday afternoon.

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