There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms across south-central Kansas this afternoon, including the Arkansas City and Winfield areas. A severe thunderstorm watch is already in effect until 11 a.m. for portions of Oklahoma, including Ponca City, according to Paul Howerton, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Wichita.
“It looks like the severe threat this morning has diminished as the main system moves out, but there is a chance (of severe weather) this afternoon,” he said about 9:30 a.m.. “We’re also looking for the potential for heavy rain as well.”
Fourteen tornadoes were reported in portions of four states over the weekends. One tornado packing winds of 130-miles an hour swept through downtown Atlanta, Ga., causing millions of dollars in damage.
Jana McDade, assistant coordinator of Cowley County Emergency Services, said all of the outdoor warning sirens in the county ? except one in Udall ? worked during last week’s state-wide drill. The one in Udall was blown into a field during an earlier storm. The city has other sirens.
Sirens will now be tested every Tuesday at noon unless severe weather threatens the area, McDade said.
