NORMAN, Okla. — A few tornadoes are likely across portions of central and northeast Kansas Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center.

A Tornado Watch is in effect from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. CDT. Forecasters say isolated damaging wind gusts reaching 70 mph also are possible.

The watch includes Reno, Harvey, Rice, McPherson, Marion, Barton, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Russell, Saline and Chase counties, among areas covered by the alert. Hutchinson, Newton, Lyons, Sterling, McPherson, Great Bend and Salina are among the affected communities.

Storm coverage is expected to increase over the next several hours. Forecasters say ample moisture near the ground and strong winds at low levels will create conditions favorable for tornadoes.

The watch area extends approximately 45 miles north and south of a line running from 45 miles west-northwest of Hutchinson to 40 miles east of Manhattan.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Residents should monitor weather updates, watch for threatening conditions and be prepared to take shelter if a warning is issued.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1789856631603.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostNORMAN, Okla. — A few tornadoes are likely across portions of central and northeast Kansas Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1790803376052.png" alt="Tornado Watch #675 Valid through 11 p.m." />
 <figcaption>Tornado Watch #675 Valid through 11 p.m.</figcaption>
 </figure>A Tornado Watch is in effect from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. CDT. Forecasters say isolated damaging wind gusts reaching 70 mph also are possible.The watch includes Reno, Harvey, Rice, McPherson, Marion, Barton, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Russell, Saline and Chase counties, among areas covered by the alert. Hutchinson, Newton, Lyons, Sterling, McPherson, Great Bend and Salina are among the affected communities.Storm coverage is expected to increase over the next several hours. Forecasters say ample moisture near the ground and strong winds at low levels will create conditions favorable for tornadoes.The watch area extends approximately 45 miles north and south of a line running from 45 miles west-northwest of Hutchinson to 40 miles east of Manhattan.A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Residents should monitor weather updates, watch for threatening conditions and be prepared to take shelter if a warning is issued.

Tornado Watch issued for portions of central Kansas