Tornado watch affecting the Kansas City area until Saturday night

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On Saturday at 2:30 p.m. a tornado watch was released by the National Weather Service in effect until 11 p.m. The watch is for Johnson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Clay, Jackson, Platte, Atchison, Doniphan, Miami, Buchanan, Cass and Clinton counties.

This watch is in effect until 11 p.m.

Ways to protect yourself during a tornado

According to the NWS, rapid action is key to staying safe during a tornado. Stay updated on tornado watches and warnings by tuning in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio.

• If you are indoors: During a tornado warning, go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room without windows. If time allows, bring your pets.
• If you are at your workplace or school: Comply with your tornado drill procedures and head to the designated tornado shelter area. Steer clear of windows and avoid large open spaces like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
• If you are outside: If a tornado is on its way, seek shelter inside a solid building immediately. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe places to be.
• If you are in a vehicle: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.

Is your emergency kit prepared in case of a tornado?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends keeping the following items in a basic disaster supplies kit:

• Water, one gallon per person for at least three days
• Food, at least a three-day supply
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Whistle
• Dust mask to filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape, for shelter purposes
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots Kansas City

This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 2:34 PM.