storms

A tornado hit Cass County on Friday night, causing significant damages to homes and other buildings in the early evening. The Friday storms capped off a week of extreme weather, bringing colder temperatures for the weekend and drier conditions next week.

The National Weather Service has put south-central Jackson County under tornado warning and confirms a tornado is on the ground after being spotted over Raymore.

Small, but severe, thunderstorms roll through the greater metropolitan area as the forecast calls for high wind, heavy rain and hail.

The National Weather Service says there's a chance of strong winds and hail, with a low risk of tornadoes, on Tuesday across the metro.

Meteorologists confirmed tornadoes in Franklin County and Linn County, Kansas. The Kansas City metro area went under tornado watch around 6:30 p.m., before lightning storms and rain rolled in.

Kansas City is exploring ways to manage stormwater naturally, using parks, gardens, and special pavement to soak up rains. The effort could reshape neighborhoods, improve water quality, and create more green space across the city.

Through a round of thunderstorms Thursday night and an expected line of storms on Friday, all modes of severe weather may be possible, according to the National Weather Service.

KC Water began the Westport Stormwater Improvement Project in January of this year to combat flash floods that have regularly put sidewalks and parking lots in Westport under water. They know the flood mitigation is needed but it makes daily life difficult for people who work, shop and eat in the area.

The Kansas City metro is under a winter storm warning. It's expected to see snow and bitterly cold temperatures starting Friday evening, which will affect city services and people’s ability to drive. Missouri's governor has issued a state of emergency.

A local weather phenomenon holds that the 6,100-person town of Tonganoxie, Kansas, can weaken and divide thunderstorms and tornadoes. Experts are mixed on its existence — and what causes it — but locals say otherwise.

Kansas City has seen a lot of storms this year, but the metro has avoided a devastating tornado. Some locals say there’s a reason for that: the Tonganoxie Split. But is there any scientific evidence backing up this long-standing legend?

Destructive tornadoes have hit states such as Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana this season as activity shifts east. Meanwhile, scientists say dry and hot weather in the Great Plains brought on by climate change could be slowing the number of tornadoes there.