867
WWUS20 KWNS 012156
SEL2
SPC WW 012156
KSZ000-020500-

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 172
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
455 PM CDT Wed May 1 2024

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Tornado Watch for portions of
  Western and central Kansas

* Effective this Wednesday afternoon from 455 PM until Midnight
  CDT.

* Primary threats include...
  A couple tornadoes possible
  Scattered large hail likely with isolated very large hail events
    to 3.5 inches in diameter possible
  Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

SUMMARY...At least isolated severe storms including supercells are
expected to develop through early evening, initially near a surface
low and dryline and warm/nearly stationary front across western
Kansas. Even if storms remain relatively isolated, they will be
capable of very large hail, tornadoes, and very strong wind gusts.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles
north and south of a line from 40 miles west of Garden City KS to 55
miles south southeast of Russell KS. For a complete depiction of the
watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

REMEMBER...A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION...CONTINUE...WW 170...WW 171...

AVIATION...Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 3.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 24025.

...Guyer