Severe weather this afternoon, tornadoes possible

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Stay tuned today for today's severe weather threat. Severe storms can occur during the evening commute, particularly in some areas. A cold front will move through the area, which also means areas, particularly west of HWY 75, will experience falling temperatures late morning into the afternoon, with most areas in the 50s and 60s by 5 p.m. The good news is that it's dry for Halloween, but the rain returns this weekend.

Take action:

1. Storms are likely this afternoon. The only question is how severe they will be and what severe weather parameters will accompany the storms. All hazards are in play (hail, wind, tornadoes), so stay tuned anytime after 12 p.m., but definitely between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
2. Get the latest severe weather risks here: https://www.wibw.com/weather/risk-maps/
3. Submit your images here: https://www.wibw.com/page/weather-pictures/
4. Rain returns from this weekend into early next week, with strong to severe storms expected, particularly on Sunday.
5. Trick-or-treaters will be treated to temperatures in the 50s/upper 40s tomorrow evening with light winds and dry conditions.
6. Daylight saving time ends this weekend: a good time to check and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and weather radio.

An unusually high risk of severe weather is forecast for this time of year today as a cold front moves through the area. The good news is that it won't last long after sunset, but the bad news is that it will impact some evening commute locations, whether it's getting home from work or kids coming home from school . Timing is subject to change, but the greatest danger lies west of HWY 75. Areas along and east of the highway may not see storms until around 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Check back throughout the day for the latest schedule.

Today: Scattered showers/storms in north central KS this morning, not expected to be severe. Severe storms are possible in north-central KS any time after 1 p.m., with storms becoming stronger and increasing in intensity as the afternoon progresses. Highs will be in the 70s everywhere except areas west of HWY 75 will see afternoon temperatures dip into the 50s and 60s. Wind force S 15-25, gusting up to 40 mph ahead of the front, northwest wind 10-20, gusting around 25 mph behind the front.

Tonight: Storms are likely before 11 p.m., primarily along and east of HWY 75. Lows will be in the low to mid 40s. Wind force SW/NW 10-20, gusts around 25 mph.

Tomorrow (Halloween): At the beginning only a few clouds, otherwise lots of sun. Wind gusts may still be 20-25 mph in the morning, but winds will blow from the northwest at 5-10 mph in the afternoon.

The coolest temperatures Friday morning are expected to be in the mid to upper 30s, with highs in the mid 60s, allowing another day to dry out.

This weekend into early next week will be very unsettled with several showers and storms in the area. Over the next 8 days, many locations will see 3 to 6 inches of rainfall. Because of all the rain, the potential for flooding should be limited, but still something to monitor.

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