ST. LOUIS (AP) – Heavy hail fell in parts of Kansas and Missouri Wednesday night, halting traffic along Interstate 70 and potentially spawning tornadoes. Meteorologists urged residents to stay indoors.
At least one unconfirmed tornado was reported to have touched down in Altavista, Kansas, on Wednesday, according to media reports. The National Weather Service in Topeka said quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph (96 km/h) are expected across northern Kansas overnight through 6 a.m. Thursday.
The hailstones ranged in size from golf balls and apples to softballs and baseballs.
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski previously said the predicted hail was considered “gorilla hail” because it could be so large.
Sosnowski said the term “gorilla hail” was coined by Reid Timmer, a storm chaser who calls himself an extreme meteorologist. In this case, this term may apply. Some hailstones from north-central Kansas to north-central Missouri could be as large as baseballs.
“Getting close to a baseball-sized tennis ball or a softball-sized tennis ball can cause significant damage, and a hit to the head can be fatal,” Sosnowski said.
The National Weather Service announced on Thursday that hail caused traffic to stop on portions of Interstate 70.Large hail clumps and at least one image Cracked windshield was aired on KSHB-TV.
Late Wednesday, forecasters issued a tornado warning for areas around and north of Topeka, and a severe thunderstorm warning northeast of Kansas City, Missouri.
“If you are under this warning, move away from windows and shelter in place now!!!” the National Weather Service posted on X (formerly known as Twitter). The weather bureau said the storm had previously produced “softball-sized hail,” or chunks measuring 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters).
The weather service also issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas until Thursday morning, after which forecasters said the storm would move east.
On Thursday, the hail threat eased, but meteorologists said heavy rain and strong winds were still possible from northeast Texas to central Missouri.
Sosnowski said Friday's biggest threat is heavy rain, possibly up to 10 centimeters in some places, falling in a line from central Louisiana to central Arkansas.
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Associated Press writer Lisa Bauman contributed from Bellingham, Washington.
