Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued Thursday for several counties in Colorado and Kansas, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning of hail up to the size of ping pong balls and damaging wind gusts.
Why It Matters
The storms moved through the region as dangerous weather struck across the U.S. this week. Last weekend, deadly floods devastated Texas, killing more than 100 people, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic in Kerr County. Dangerous floods also have struck the East Coast this week after days of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
On Thursday, thunderstorms also struck Kansas and Colorado. Ping pong-sized hail was forecast during the event in Kansas, whereas quarter-sized hail was expected in Colorado. People were urged to seek shelter as the storms moved rapidly through the region.
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What to Know
Warning bulletins issued by NWS offices in Dodge City, Kansas, and Denver and Pueblo, Colorado, highlighted the severe nature of the storms impacting the area.
The severe thunderstorms impacting Colorado and Kansas carried the risk of causing widespread disruption, with the NWS forecasting hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter—roughly the size of ping pong balls—and wind gusts approaching 60 mph. Such conditions can harm people and animals outdoors and cause significant damage to homes, cars, and infrastructure.
In Kansas, alerts covered portions of Kearny, Finney, and Scott counties until 3:45 p.m. CDT, while multiple warnings in Colorado threatened counties around Denver, Colorado Springs, and El Paso, with some warnings expiring as early as 2:15 p.m. MDT and others at 2:30 p.m. MDT.
Although the warnings have expired as of publication of this article, NWS meteorologists said stormy weather persists across the region and similar warnings could be issued in surrounding areas throughout the day. Severe thunderstorm watches remain in place across both states until Thursday night.
Shortly after the earlier warning expired, the NWS Dodge City office issued another thunderstorm warning in which large hail and strong winds were expected. NWS meteorologist Jon Finch, who works at the Dodge City, Kansas, office, told Newsweek that large hail is common in the forecast region this time of year.
Severe thunderstorms of this intensity have the potential to disrupt travel, damage crops, and lead to costly repairs for affected communities. Localized warnings underscored the immediate risk to those in the path of these fast-moving storms.
Residents in the warned areas were advised to quickly move to interior shelter on the lowest floors of buildings for protection.
The NWS advised residents and travelers in the impacted regions to remain alert for further updates, as severe weather can develop rapidly and warning times may change with storm movement or intensification. Meteorologists noted that further rounds of severe storms cannot be ruled out as the day continues, and that new warnings may be issued should conditions warrant.
What People Are Saying
NWS Denver in a hazardous weather outlook: “Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across the forecast area this afternoon into early evening. Outflow wind gusts up 50 mph are possible with the storms.”
NWS in a Thursday forecast: “Strong thunderstorms are forecast across parts of the Central Plains and Midwest today with damaging wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rainfall the primary threats.”
What Happens Next
The NWS will continue to monitor the severe storms and provide regular updates as conditions evolve. Residents are advised to monitor official weather alerts and take immediate protective action when prompted.