UPDATE: At 3:35 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a TORNADO WATCH for Lyon County until 11 p.m.
The National Weather Service is watching severe storms in the Midwest that could track into the Emporia area this evening. This storm includes:
- High confidence of golf-ball-size hail,
- High confidence of winds up to 75 mph and
- Medium confidence of tornadoes.
Please remember the difference between a tornado watch and warning:
Tornado WATCH is issued when a tornado is possible. Identify your safe place:
- Storm shelter
- Basement
- Interior hall away from windows
Tornado WARNING is issued when a tornado is happening or about to happen — take shelter immediately in your safe place!
Make sure you are listening to trusted weather sources for the most up-to-date information. These include:
- NOAA weather radio
- Wireless emergency alerts and weather apps on your phone
- Internet sites — NWS in Topeka is weather.gov/top
- Outdoor sirens — these are only designed to be heard outdoors; do not rely on them as your indoor signal
- Local TV and radio
For Emporia, Topeka TV stations KSNT and WIBW have solid weather coverage and will break into programming for serious situations.
Emporia’s Radio Stations (KVOE AM + FM) will go live during serious situations with storm spotters around the county providing live updates.