Tornado Warnings Issued in Kansas as Storm Triggers Tornado Watch Across Many Counties

The dangerous storm that produced a confirmed tornado near Ash Valley has tracked northeast into Barton County, Kansas, prompting a new Tornado Warning as the earlier warning for Rush County has expired.

The National Weather Service offices in Wichita and Dodge City are both tracking the storm as it moves across central Kansas.

UPDATE: New Warning for Barton County

NWS Wichita has a Tornado Warning in effect for west central Barton County until 4:45 p.m. CDT.

At 4:16 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Shaffer, moving northeast at 30 mph.

Radar indicated rotation with the storm. Forecasters warn that flying debris will be dangerous to anyone caught without shelter, and mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed.

The dangerous storm was expected near Albert around 4:20 p.m. and Olmitz around 4:30 p.m.

NWS Wichita issued an urgent update as the threat developed.

Source: NWS Wichita on X

Rush County Warning Has Expired

NWS Dodge City allowed the earlier Tornado Warning for southeastern Rush County to expire at 4:30 p.m. CDT.

Forecasters said the storm that prompted that warning had weakened below severe limits and exited the warned area.

What Happened Earlier

The storm was first confirmed to have produced a tornado near Ash Valley in Pawnee and Rush counties around 3:59 p.m. CDT.

That tornado was described as weak and brief, with the community of Shaffer in its path.

The same storm cell has continued producing rotation as it tracks northeast, which is why the warning has now shifted into Barton County.

Tornado Watch Remains in Effect

The broader Storm Prediction Center Tornado Watch covering 22 central Kansas counties, including Barton, remains in effect until 11 p.m. CDT.

Residents across the watch area should stay alert for additional warnings as storms continue to develop and track through the evening.

Safety Reminders

If you’re in or near Albert, Olmitz, Susank or Galatia, take cover immediately.

Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, and stay away from windows.

If you’re outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

For live updates, follow NWS Wichita and NWS Dodge City on X.