The Lawrence Times reports that the Douglas County area could see severe storms late Wednesday afternoon and evening, with damaging wind, heavy rain, and a tornado possible.
According to the National Weather Service in Topeka, strong to severe storms may form along a cold front Wednesday afternoon and evening from northeast to central Kansas. The main hazards cited include large hail up to 2 inches, damaging winds estimated at 60 to 70 mph, and localized flooding.
For Lawrence, the NWS forecast as of just before 2 p.m. Wednesday calls for a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight, along with wind gusts up to 25 mph. A tornado watch for the Lawrence area was issued around 2:15 p.m. and is effective through 9 p.m. Wednesday.
The watch indicates conditions are favorable for a tornado to be possible, while a tornado warning would mean a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar.
The forecast also calls for a 30% chance of showers and storms Thursday afternoon, along with a risk of flooding from additional rainfall.