Alert archive / Kansas / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 49, NWS Wichita, KS

April 11, 2026Harvey County, Reno County, Sedgwick County, Kansas

NWS Wichita, KS issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Apr 11, 2026, 5:17 PM CDT for Harvey County, Reno County, Sedgwick County, Kansas. It was in force for 58 min. 6 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Apr 11, 2026, 5:17 PM CDT (22:17 UTC)
Expired
Apr 11, 2026, 6:15 PM CDT
In force
58 min
Issued by
NWS Wichita, KS
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Possible
Damage threat
Destructive
Hail
1.75 in
Wind
80.0 mph

Counties Harvey County, KS, Reno County, KS, Sedgwick County, KS

The radar

The Wichita radar (KICT), 30 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:21 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Apr 11, 5:21 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG5 Sse Haven, KSPower lines knocked down near intersection of East Parallel Rd and Victory Rd.
Apr 11, 5:26 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Sw Mount Hope, KSDelayed Report, four power poles snapped and lines down across 295th W at 93rd St. North.
Apr 11, 5:26 PM CDTHAIL 1.5Mount Hope, KS
Apr 11, 5:30 PM CDTTSTM WND GST 79Mount Hope, KS
Apr 11, 5:31 PM CDTTSTM WND GST 70Mount Hope, KS
Apr 11, 6:20 PM CDTTSTM WND GST 60Bentley, KSNickel hail was also reported.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 5 storm reports to this severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 4 minutes after it went out.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Topeka, KS (KTOP), launched 12:00Z, 10.3 hours before the alert went out and 212 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Topeka, KS at 12:00Z on 2026-04-11Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Topeka, KS at 12:00Z on 2026-04-11The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 314 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
678 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
37 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
314 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
339 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.5

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

028 
WUUS53 KICT 112217
SVRICT
KSC079-155-173-112315-
/O.NEW.KICT.SV.W.0049.260411T2217Z-260411T2315Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Wichita KS
517 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Southeastern Reno County in south central Kansas...
  Northwestern Sedgwick County in south central Kansas...
  Southwestern Harvey County in south central Kansas...

* Until 615 PM CDT.

* At 516 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Haven, moving
  east at 25 mph.

  THIS IS A DESTRUCTIVE STORM FOR HAVEN, MOUNT HOPE, AND BENTLEY.

  HAZARD...80 mph wind gusts and golf ball size hail.

  SOURCE...Trained weather spotters.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
           shelter. Mobile homes will be heavily damaged. Expect 
           considerable damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. 
           Extensive tree damage and power outages are likely.

* Locations impacted include...
  Park City, Valley Center, Halstead, Sedgwick, Haven, Burrton, Mount
  Hope, Andale, Bentley, and Yoder.

This includes Interstate 135 between Mile Markers 16 and 25.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 3777 9779 3792 9791 3810 9757 3796 9732
      3782 9732
TIME...MOT...LOC 2216Z 254DEG 23KT 3783 9777 

TORNADO...POSSIBLE
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...DESTRUCTIVE
HAIL THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.75 IN
WIND THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX WIND GUST...80 MPH

$$

CUELLAR
3 follow-up statements
811 
WWUS53 KICT 112237
SVSICT

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wichita KS
537 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

KSC155-112246-
/O.CAN.KICT.SV.W.0049.000000T0000Z-260411T2315Z/
Reno KS-
537 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN RENO COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...

The severe thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out of 
the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

&&

LAT...LON 3794 9770 3805 9748 3796 9732 3782 9732
      3778 9770
TIME...MOT...LOC 2236Z 252DEG 22KT 3786 9764 

$$

KSC079-173-112315-
/O.CON.KICT.SV.W.0049.000000T0000Z-260411T2315Z/
Sedgwick KS-Harvey KS-
537 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 615 PM CDT
FOR NORTHWESTERN SEDGWICK AND SOUTHWESTERN HARVEY COUNTIES...

At 536 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Mount Hope,
moving east at 25 mph.

THIS IS A DESTRUCTIVE STORM FOR MOUNT HOPE AND BENTLEY.

HAZARD...80 mph wind gusts and golf ball size hail.

SOURCE...Trained weather spotters.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
         shelter. Mobile homes will be heavily damaged. Expect 
         considerable damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. 
         Extensive tree damage and power outages are likely.

Locations impacted include...
Park City, Valley Center, Halstead, Sedgwick, Mount Hope, Andale, and
Bentley.

This includes Interstate 135 between Mile Markers 16 and 25.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 3794 9770 3805 9748 3796 9732 3782 9732
      3778 9770
TIME...MOT...LOC 2236Z 252DEG 22KT 3786 9764 

TORNADO...POSSIBLE
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...DESTRUCTIVE
HAIL THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.75 IN
WIND THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX WIND GUST...80 MPH

$$

CUELLAR
050 
WWUS53 KICT 112253
SVSICT

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wichita KS
553 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

KSC079-173-112315-
/O.CON.KICT.SV.W.0049.000000T0000Z-260411T2315Z/
Sedgwick KS-Harvey KS-
553 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 615 PM CDT
FOR NORTHWESTERN SEDGWICK AND SOUTHWESTERN HARVEY COUNTIES...

At 552 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Bentley, or 6
miles east of Mount Hope, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and ping pong ball size hail.

SOURCE...Trained weather spotters.

IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail 
         damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect 
         considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to 
         mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Locations impacted include...
Park City, Valley Center, Halstead, Sedgwick, Mount Hope, Andale, and
Bentley.

This includes Interstate 135 between Mile Markers 16 and 25.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 3794 9770 3805 9748 3796 9732 3782 9732
      3778 9770
TIME...MOT...LOC 2252Z 251DEG 21KT 3789 9755 

THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN
WIND THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX WIND GUST...70 MPH

$$

CUELLAR
770 
WWUS53 KICT 112302
SVSICT

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wichita KS
602 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

KSC079-173-112315-
/O.CON.KICT.SV.W.0049.000000T0000Z-260411T2315Z/
Sedgwick KS-Harvey KS-
602 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 615 PM CDT
FOR NORTHWESTERN SEDGWICK AND SOUTHWESTERN HARVEY COUNTIES...

At 602 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Mount Hope,
moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Golf ball size hail and 70 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Trained weather spotters.

IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail 
         damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect 
         considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to 
         mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Locations impacted include...
Park City, Valley Center, Halstead, Sedgwick, Mount Hope, Andale, and
Bentley.

This includes Interstate 135 between Mile Markers 16 and 25.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 3794 9770 3805 9748 3796 9732 3782 9732
      3778 9770
TIME...MOT...LOC 2302Z 240DEG 27KT 3786 9760 

THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.75 IN
WIND THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX WIND GUST...70 MPH

$$

CUELLAR

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Wichita, KS wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Apr 11, 2:36 PM CDT, 2 hours 41 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Isolated to widely scattered showers/thunderstorms through mid this evening. A marginally severe thunderstorm can't be ruled out.
  • Numerous/widespread showers and thunderstorms later tonight through early afternoon Sunday. Severe weather not expected.
  • An isolated severe thunderstorm possible both Sunday and Monday late afternoon-evening.
  • Better chances for thunderstorms and associated severe weather late Tuesday, possibly lingering into Wednesday.
  • Additional thunderstorm chances possible next Friday- Saturday.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 11, 2:36 PM CDT, 2 hours 41 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Wichita KS
236 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Isolated to widely scattered showers/thunderstorms through
  mid this evening. A marginally severe thunderstorm can't be
  ruled out.

- Numerous/widespread showers and thunderstorms later tonight
  through early afternoon Sunday. Severe weather not expected.

- An isolated severe thunderstorm possible both Sunday and
  Monday late afternoon-evening.

- Better chances for thunderstorms and associated severe
  weather late Tuesday, possibly lingering into Wednesday.

- Additional thunderstorm chances possible next Friday-
  Saturday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 224 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

THUNDERSTORMS/SEVERE WEATHER CHANCES:

THIS AFTERNOON--EVENING...A subtle mid-level wave approaching from
the west amidst a moist, unstable, and uncapped airmass should
support isolated to widely scattered hit-or-miss
showers/thunderstorms areawide. Poor mid-level lapse rates and
marginal deep layer shear should preclude widespread severe weather,
although the marginal buoyancy/shear combination in conjunction with
the approaching mid-level wave may support a marginally severe
thunderstorm through 10 PM, especially west of the KS Turnpike.
Additionally, anomalously high precipitable waters will support
pockets of heavy rainfall.

LATER TONIGHT--SUNDAY MORNING...Another subtle wave approaching from
Mexico will be the focus for widespread/numerous showers and
thunderstorms well after midnight through midday Sunday, with the
highest chances generally along and southeast of the Kansas
Turnpike. Once again, the primary threat will be pockets of heavy
rainfall and perhaps some localized minor flooding given the deep
fetch of anomalous precipitable waters.

SUNDAY LATE AFTERNOON--EVENING...In wake of the departing upper
wave, thinking large-scale subsidence will overspread the forecast
area by late Sunday, which should tend to suppress additional
thunderstorm development. However, some modest dryline convergence
may support an isolated thunderstorm or two after 5-6 PM generally
along/west of I-135. Given the increasingly favorable combination of
vertical shear and buoyancy, severe weather will be possible with
any storm that can manage to develop.

MONDAY LATE AFTERNOON-EVENING...Similar to Sunday, Monday's severe
weather threat is conditional, as storm development will likely
struggle given only modest dryline convergence and little to no
upper forcing. However, if a storm or two is able to develop, a very
favorable combination of strong buoyancy and 40-50 kts of shear
oriented perpendicular to the dryline would support supercells
capable of all severe weather hazards. Area and time would be mainly
west of the Flint Hills after 5 PM.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON--WEDNESDAY...This period appears to have the
greatest potential for severe thunderstorms, as a potent shortwave
approaching from the west interacts with a very moist/unstable warm
sector along/east of a sharpening dryline. While there remains some
forecast uncertainty given this is still 3-4 days out (namely robust
dryline convergence for storm initiation may be lacking), the degree
of buoyancy and shear would support the greatest severe weather
threat, with supercells capable of all severe hazards. Regarding
timing, the latest ECMWF keeps the thunderstorm threat through
Wednesday evening given a slower shortwave motion. Stay tuned as we
refine forecast details in the coming days.

NEXT FRIDAY--SATURDAY...Deterministic and ensemble consensus
supports a reloading moist/unstable warm sector by late week, as
another western CONUS upper trough deepens. This could support
another round of thunderstorms (possibly severe?) as we head into
Friday--Saturday. Still lots of uncertainty this far out, stay
tuned.

TEMPERATURES/WIND:

Given rather persistent western CONUS troughing and associated lee
troughing over the High Plains, breezy/gusty south winds and above
average temperatures look to likely persist through much of next
week. The warmest days look to be Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday,
when low-level thickness supports high temperatures in the 80s for
most across the forecast area. As we head into next weekend, model
consensus supports a cool down in wake of a strong cold front, with
potential below average temperatures possible.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/...
Issued at 1241 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

A upper level wave will move across the region this afternoon
with scattered showers/storms developing over the area.
Meanwhile gusty south winds will prevail across the area into
the evening hours. Another round of showers/storms is expected
late tonight mainly for locations along and east of the Kansas
turnpike. This activity will spread slowly eastward and linger
over southeast Kansas during the morning hours on Sunday. In
addition, low clouds in MVFR/IFR category will develop late
tonight over southern and southeast Kansas.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 224 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

MONDAY--TUESDAY...Lower relative humidity west of a dryline amidst
continued breezy/gusty south to southwest winds may support VERY
HIGH grassland fire danger generally west of Interstate 135.
Otherwise, spring green-up amidst rather high daytime humidity
values should keep grassfire danger in check for most areas
generally east of I-135 the next 7 days.

&&

.ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...ADK
AVIATION...CDJ
FIRE WEATHER...ADK
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 11, 4:53 PM CDT, 24 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Wichita KS
453 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

KSZ032-033-047>053-067>072-082-083-091>096-098>100-122200-
Russell-Lincoln-Barton-Ellsworth-Saline-Rice-McPherson-Marion-Chase-
Reno-Harvey-Butler-Greenwood-Woodson-Allen-Kingman-Sedgwick-Harper-
Sumner-Cowley-Elk-Wilson-Neosho-Chautauqua-Montgomery-Labette-
453 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of Central Kansas,
South Central Kansas and Southeast Kansas.

.DAY ONE...Tonight

Isolated to widely scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected
across the region through mid to late evening. While widespread
severe weather is not expected, a few severe thunderstorms are
possible, capable of golfball sized hail, 70 mph winds, and perhaps
an isolated and brief tornado. The threat area will be mainly west
of the Kansas Turnpike before 10 PM.

Later tonight, chances for showers and thunderstorms will increase
from the southwest, mainly over southern Kansas. Locally heavy
rainfall will be the primary hazard.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday

Numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected over mainly
southeast Kansas Sunday morning through early afternoon. Pockets of
heavy rainfall and localized minor flooding will be the primary
hazard.

An isolated thunderstorm or two can't be ruled out late Sunday
afternoon and evening, mainly west of Interstate 135. If a storm is
able to develop, severe weather is possible.

Similar to Sunday, an isolated thunderstorm or two can't be ruled
out late Monday afternoon and evening. If a storm is able to
develop, severe weather is possible.

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible Tuesday afternoon
and evening, and possibly again Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Strong to severe thunderstorms capable of all severe hazards are
possible. Stay tuned as we refine forecast details in the coming
days.

Another round of thunderstorms is possible Friday...stay tuned.

Very high grassland fire danger is possible generally west of
Interstate 135 Monday and Tuesday, due to low humidity and gusty
south winds.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated tonight.

&&

For a graphical version of this information, see our webpage at:
https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=ict

In the hours before

Local storm report, Apr 11, 4:41 PM CDT, 36 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wichita KS
441 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0433 PM     Hail             8 NE Penalosa           37.78N 98.19W
04/11/2026  M1.75 Inch       Reno               KS   Public

            mPING report.

&&

ADK
Local storm report, Apr 11, 5:16 PM CDT, 1 minute before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wichita KS
516 PM CDT Sat Apr 11 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0505 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     6 NE Pretty Prairie     37.82N 97.94W
04/11/2026                   Reno               KS   Law Enforcement

            Semi rolled over near K14 and Parallel Road.
            Another separate vehicle damaged nearby.

&&

ADK

The office that day

Everything else NWS Wichita, KS issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 10, 10:14 PM CDTDense Fog AdvisoryICTBarton, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Rice, Russell11 hr
Apr 11, 4:10 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningICTKingman, Reno35 min
Apr 11, 4:27 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatICTReno63 min
Apr 11, 4:45 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatICTKingman45 min
Apr 11, 4:55 PM CDTTornado WarningICTReno35 min
Apr 11, 6:12 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatICTButler, Harvey, Marion, Sedgwick63 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Kansas, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.