🕒 Last updated on October 18, 2025
Severe thunderstorms hit Clay and Platte counties early Saturday, bringing powerful winds and hail that could damage property and vehicles. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning for residents to stay alert and take immediate safety precautions. The storm, moving at 40 miles per hour, struck areas including Kansas City, Gladstone, Lansing, Smithville, Parkville, Platte City, Riverside, and Weatherby Lake.
The warning was issued at 2:42 a.m. and remained in effect until 3 a.m. The NWS confirmed that the storms could produce quarter-sized hail and wind gusts reaching 60 mph. Residents are urged to stay inside, preferably in an interior room on the lowest floor of a building, to avoid potential injuries.
Hail and Wind Threats to Homes, Vehicles, and Trees
The storms caused hail damage to cars and could harm roofs, siding, and trees in the affected counties. Quarter-sized hail can leave dents on vehicles, break windows, and even damage roofs. Strong wind gusts up to 60 mph have the potential to knock down branches, uproot trees, and create flying debris that can injure people or pets.
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Highways and interstates were also affected. I-29 between mile markers 1 and 19, I-635 between mile markers 9 and 12, and I-435 between mile markers 21 and 42 experienced heavy rain, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. Drivers in these areas were warned to slow down, avoid flooded roads, and stay alert to changing conditions.
The NWS emphasized that storms like these can move quickly. At 2:42 a.m., the storm was located over Weatherby Lake and moving east, which meant areas further along the path could experience strong winds, hail, and heavy rain within minutes.
Safety Tips for Residents and Drivers
Residents were strongly advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building to stay safe from lightning and strong winds. Avoid windows, doors, and objects that can conduct electricity, such as corded phones, electrical equipment, and plumbing. It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before leaving shelter.
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If outdoors, people should avoid open fields, hilltops, and isolated tall trees. Water and metal objects, although not attracting lightning, can conduct electricity and increase the risk of injury. Groups of people should spread out to prevent a lightning strike from traveling between members. Camping in a tent or open area does not provide protection from storms.
Drivers on the road during the storm face risks of hydroplaning, which happens when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads. To avoid accidents, drivers should turn on headlights, avoid puddles, stay in middle lanes, and maintain distance from large vehicles. If a car begins to hydroplane, the driver should ease off the accelerator, turn gently into the skid, and brake lightly to regain control.
Rainwater on roads can create hazardous conditions, and flood zones should be avoided. Driving through deep water can damage a car’s mechanical and electrical systems and increase the chance of being swept away by currents.
The NWS has stressed the urgency of following safety guidelines as these thunderstorms pass through the counties. Taking precautions at home, outdoors, and on the road can reduce the risk of injuries and damage caused by these dangerous, fast-moving storms.