KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Good afternoon bloggers,
Rain is lining up along and just east of I-35. The heaviest rain, causing the rising water from near Kansas City, across the Missouri River into the counties just northeast, will be shifting south and east by 4 or 5 PM today. The water will still rise for a little while longer. So, watch for high water across those country roads that are near creeks and rivers. Remember, "Turn around, Don't drown".
It was one year ago today when thunderstorms began forming southwest of Kansas City, out near Osage City. They intensified, and one of the largest thunderstorms produced an EF4 tornado with estimated winds of nearly 200 mph near Linwood, KS destroying homes and uprooting lives. Incredibly nobody was killed. We had provided a good one hour warning as it was approaching that area. The tornado lifted just southwest of Kansas City, and then touched back down near Kearney and Excelsior Springs. There were huge wet thunderstorms over northern Missouri that day in 2019 as well, with some flooding. Here are the tracks of the tornadoes:
As you can see, the tornado fortunately skipped over the heavily populated KC metro area.
A year later we are dealing with some heavy rain, but the rain is about to move out this afternoon leaving us with a great Friday. Saturday? Well, not so much. Take a look at this:
Yes, a strong temperature contrast is forecast to develop with 50s near KC and near 100° over southwest Kansas. There may be some rain as well Saturday in the cooler air. The warmer air will surge our way next week.
Today's Rainfall Amounts (These are the estimated totals):
2" to 4" amounts are being reported just east and northeast of KC. The official total is coming in under 1/4" believe it or not. KCI Airport has missed almost every downpour.
Kansas City Weather Timeline:
- Rest of today: The rain will be ending and shifting south and east of KC in the next few hours. Mostly cloudy with temperatures warming back up into the lower or middle 70s
- Tonight: Decreasing clouds by morning. Low: 56°
- Friday: Mostly sunny with a north breeze at 10-20 mph. High: 75°
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. High: 65°
Thank you for spending a few minutes of your day reading the weather blog. We will go in-depth with KC's most accurate forecast on 41 Action News tonight!
Gary
