Showers and powerful thunderstorms swept through the Kansas City area Wednesday morning, prompting the National Weather Service to issue severe weather alerts.
The weather service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Kansas City and surrounding counties that is in effect until 2 p.m.
The weather service also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for eastern Wyandotte County, northeastern Johnson County and northern Jackson County. The warning is in effect until 7:30 a.m.
Shortly before 7 a.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Overland Park, moving northeast at 55 mph. Winds of 60 mph and quarter-sized hail were the primary threats.
“Hail damage to vehicles is expected,” the weather service said. “Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for northwestern Wyandotte County, Clay County, southeastern Platte County and northwestern Jackson County until 7:45 a.m.
A severe thunderstorm was over downtown Kansas City and Kansas City, Kansas, at about 7:15 a.m. and was moving northeast at 55 mph, the weather service said.