The National Weather Service in Topeka is warning residents across northeast and central Kansas to prepare for potentially strong thunderstorms Sunday evening. According to forecast maps issued early Sunday morning, storms are expected to develop in central and northwest Kansas between 5 and 7 p.m. and gradually move east-northeast through the evening hours.

By 7 to 9 p.m., storm activity is projected to increase in coverage, with the highest probabilities concentrated over Manhattan, Topeka, and surrounding areas. The storms could organize into lines or clusters, raising the potential for widespread impact. Storms are expected to continue tracking east-northeast between 9 and 11 p.m., eventually exiting the region around or shortly after midnight.

The severe weather outlook places much of the area, including Manhattan, Wamego, and Junction City, under a Level 3 (Enhanced Risk) for severe weather. Thunderstorms are likely to bring damaging winds, very large hail, dangerous lightning, and the potential for tornadoes. The window for severe weather spans roughly from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., with a 70%–90% chance of storms developing.

Additionally, the threat of flash flooding looms overnight as excessive rainfall is expected to impact eastern Kansas. The likelihood of flooding is moderate to slight depending on local conditions, especially where storms repeatedly track over the same areas. Confidence in flash flooding potential ranges from low to medium.

Looking ahead, Monday continues the severe weather threat, with central and northeast Kansas again under a Level 3 risk. Storms are expected to develop between 3 p.m. and midnight, although some uncertainty remains about how far west storm activity will extend.

Review your severe weather safety plans, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and have an emergency kit ready. Learn what should be included in your emergency kit here.