storms

Climate change-driven weather events are causing more damage and wear and tear to school buildings in Missouri, driving up districts’ property insurance costs.

It’s been an above-average spring for tornadoes and other severe storms in the Midwest and Great Plains. Experts say a big reason is that weather conditions were ripe for tornado-forming storms.

Two tornadoes were confirmed out of Sunday evening’s storm — one in western Shawnee and another around 79th Street and Lamar Avenue. But neither county nor city outdoor warning sirens went off, nor was there any alert issued.

Spring’s severe weather can stress out animals, especially the hundreds living in Kansas City shelters. The storms can also decrease adoption rates. Workers and volunteers constantly watch the weather to know when to provide de-stressing activities and encourage adoptions.

Severe thunderstorms Wednesday evening produced huge chunks of hail in parts of Missouri and Kansas. "Gorilla hail" can create lots of damage and even has the potential to be fatal.

Severe storms and winds kept racers in the MR340, a river race from Kansas City to St. Charles, from finishing the endurance race. But they still plan to celebrate.

The greater Kansas City area is continuing a massive clean up effort after a string of severe storms with wind gusts north of 60 miles per hour pummeled the region last Friday. Several cities have already begun curbside pickup programs, while others are offering drop-off locations.

Evergy estimates more than 11,000 customers remain without power after Friday’s thunderstorms, but with more storms hitting the Kansas City area, it may be several more days before all service is restored.

Evergy reports more than 180,000 customers lost power Friday. As of Saturday night, two-thirds of those customers had powered restored. Cities in the area have reported downed trees and tree limbs.

A large tornado hit southeastern Missouri before dawn, causing widespread destruction as a broad swath of the Midwest and South braced for further storms that could spawn additional twisters and hail.

More dangerous weather is expected in the same communities that lost more than 30 people from tornadoes just days ago.

The airline canceled more than 70% of its flights through Kansas City on Tuesday, continuing a days-long streak of cancellations. Customers at the airport struggled to replan travel accommodations and get their luggage back as communication with the company stalled.