SPC Tornado Watch 217

WW 217 TORNADO KS 180040Z - 180400Z URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 217 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 740 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026 The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a * Tornado Watch for portions of Southwest Kansas * Effective this Sunday evening from 740 PM until 1100 PM CDT. * Primary threats include... A couple tornadoes possible Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5 inches in diameter possible Isolated damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible SUMMARY...Intensifying thunderstorms will likely pose a risk for large to very large hail this evening as storms develop near a cold front and retreating dryline. A couple of tornadoes are possible, especially if a supercell can become established as low-level wind shear strengthens this evening. The tornado watch area is approximately along and 45 statute miles east and west of a line from 30 miles northeast of Russell KS to 35 miles southeast of Dodge City KS. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7). PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... REMEMBER...A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. && OTHER WATCH INFORMATION...CONTINUE...WW 213...WW 214...WW 215...WW 216... AVIATION...Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 23025. ...Smith Read more