This is in effect until 10pm. Please note there is a high  risk of tornadoes and a moderate  risk of strong tornadoes. Note also there is a high risk of hail more than 2"in diameter. Tornado safety suggestions below. As I write this (3pm), the thunderstorms are starting to form on the west side of the watch. Stay weather aware the through the evening. For additional coverage as this situation develops, follow me on Twitter: @usweatherexpert .

For planning purposes, here is my forecast for tornado risk forecast for later today and tonight. This does not include Wichita. Over the northern part of the area (essentially north of I-70), the tornado risk is this afternoon and into tonight, giving the possibility of tornadoes in darkness.  Over the southern half of the risk area, the tornado will risk will drop to near zero after dark. Since this is the first day with tornadoes forecasted for the Great Plains in 2018, your tornado safety suggestions are here . Some additional thoughts... If you live in the risk area, you might put valuables and family heirlooms your shelter now. Always take a flashlight and a radio or television into your shelter. Always wear  substantial shoes  into the shelter area.  Take your cell phone in case you should be trapped.  While this is the first day of the year with a tornado threat don't worry.  Just keep up on the weather during the indicated times, ha...

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ANOTHER person, a woman, needlessly killed by a train in south Wichita this evening. PLEASE STAY OFF RAILROAD TRACKS.

This was from April 27, 2011. With tornadoes forecast for the Great Plains this week, I thought a reminder was worthwhile. Keep an eye on the weather this week if you live in the Great Plains.

I have never heard of this incident before. I can understand why the astronauts mutinied .

Tornadoes are a near certainty in the Great Plains in the next five days. So, given our mobile society, I would like to provide some tornado safety rules to newcomers and as a reminder to long-time residents.  I recommend you pass this along to your friends and relatives who might find it useful.  If a tornado warning is issued for your area, the basic philosophy is to put get to the lowest level of your building and put as many walls as possible between you and the outdoors. If you do not have a basement, go to a small room in the middle of your home on the lowest level. The best option is a bath due to the plumbing providing reinforcement to the walls. Here is a helpful video.  If your shelter is in an area you rarely use, take the time today to clear out the cobwebs. Put new batteries in your weather radio. Upload the AccuWeather app . Regardless of what app you are using when the warning is issued (e.g., reading the Huffington Post  or playing ...