Bow Echo MCS Drives 80 MPH Gusts Across Eastern Kansas into Missouri — SevereWX
An intensifying bow echo MCS, powered by a cold pool with mesovortices and rear-inflow jet, is pushing eastward from central Kansas into eastern portions and far western Missouri.
Storms have already produced severe impacts under Watches 359 and 361, but the leading edge now outpaces those boundaries. SPC notes heightened convective intensity along northeast-flanking segments amid 1000-2000 J/kg MUCAPE, 40-50 kt effective shear perpendicular to the line, and a moist boundary layer resisting inhibition rise.
Key Threats:
- Winds: 65-80 mph gusts most probable, capable of widespread damage.
- Tornado: Up to 90 mph intensity possible.
- Hail: Up to 1.25 inches.
This setup supports severe gust persistence for the next few hours through around 11 PM CDT. A downstream Severe Thunderstorm Watch carries 60% odds, targeting areas from Topeka eastward and into western Missouri near Springfield and Kansas City fringes.
Conditions remain primed: high dewpoints (70°F+) keep lift strong despite modest CIN increases. Monitor radar closely as the line evolves.
Preparedness: Secure outdoors, have multiple alerts enabled (NOAA Weather Radio, apps), and shelter away from windows if storms approach. Check SPC for updates.