Goodland, Kansas — Severe thunderstorms are forecasted to sweep through northwest Kansas on Monday afternoon and evening, with damaging winds, hail, and heavy rainfall threatening several counties, including Cheyenne, Greeley, Logan, Rawlins, Sherman, Thomas, Wallace, and Wichita.
Details of the Severe Weather
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for these counties until 9 p.m. MDT Monday. The watch covers key stretches of Interstate 70 (I-70) and other major highways. The strongest storms are expected to impact areas like Goodland, Colby, and Sharon Springs. These storms could bring wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and hail up to the size of a quarter, which may lead to isolated power outages and hazardous travel conditions, especially on rural roads.
Safety and Preparedness
Local emergency managers are urging residents to take precautions:
Stay indoors during the storms to avoid flying debris and other hazards.
Secure outdoor items, such as lawn furniture and trash bins, that could be blown around by strong winds.
Have a way to receive weather alerts, such as a battery-powered radio, mobile phone alerts, or a weather app.
If traveling, avoid flooded roads and prepare for sudden drops in visibility due to heavy rain.
Schools and businesses in the area are closely monitoring the storm, with updates expected later in the evening if conditions worsen.
Timing and Potential for Severe Weather
This is the first widespread severe weather event of July for the region, arriving during a hot and humid stretch typical for early summer in northwest Kansas. Forecasters suggest the watch could be extended or upgraded to a warning if the storms intensify or become more widespread.
