K-State meteorologist advises Kansans on dangers of severe weather
Spring marks the peak season for dangerous storms, Redmond says
At a glance: Kansans are encouraged to review their severe weather plans during Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 2-6. A statewide tornado drill is scheduled at 10 a.m. CST (9 a.m. MST) on March 4.
More information: Chip Redmond, christopherredmond@ksu.edu
Related: Severe Weather Awareness Week
Feb. 23, 2026
By Pat Melgares, K-State Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansans are encouraged to review their severe weather plans during Severe Weather Awareness Week, set for March 2-6, with a statewide tornado drill scheduled at 10 a.m. CST (9 a.m. MST) Wednesday, March 4.
The annual campaign is designed to remind residents of the state’s wide range of weather hazards and the importance of preparation, said Chip Redmond, a meteorologist at Kansas State University.
“Severe Weather Awareness comes in a multitude of forms,” Redmond said. “In Kansas, we get pretty much every variety of severe weather.”
Spring marks the peak season. Heavy rain, flooding, tornadoes, hail, wind and lightning all become more frequent, especially in May. Activity typically increases in April and gradually declines through June and July, though severe weather can occur year-round.
“We’re slowly entering that time of the year where you need to know these hazards,” Redmond said. “You need to build situational awareness on what you’re going to do if these hazards do occur or are predicted.”
Kansas experienced an unusually quiet tornado year in 2025. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the state reported 30 tornadoes, well below the 1950-2020 average of 61 and sharply lower than the 69 reported in 2024. No fatalities or injuries were reported. The most active day was May 18, when 20 tornadoes touched down.
While tornadoes often draw the most attention, Redmond said they are only part of the severe weather threat.
On average, Kansas records nearly 300 reports of severe hail — stones at least 1 inch in diameter — each year. Larger hail, though rare, can be as destructive as a tornado. Damaging winds, including those associated with squall lines, can reach speeds up to 100 mph and affect large regions.
Heavy rain and flash flooding also pose significant dangers.
“Never drive through flooded roads. Turn around,” Redmond said. “You don’t know what’s underneath that water.”
Lightning is another often-overlooked hazard. Nationally, lightning kills dozens of people each year, sometimes in groups seeking shelter under trees. Redmond said the safest option during a thunderstorm is to go indoors, avoid windows and stay away from plumbing and electrical appliances until the storm passes.
Preparation begins with reliable information, he said. The National Weather Service website, weather.gov, local news outlets and weather radios provide dependable updates. Smartphone apps can be helpful but may fail during power outages or if cell service is disrupted.
“Everyone’s got a cell phone now, and there’s many, many ways to get information,” Redmond said. “But you need to know their limitations as well.”
He recommends having multiple ways to receive warnings, including a battery-powered weather radio. Residents also should familiarize themselves with maps and radar so they can better understand where storms are in relation to their location.
Having a plan is equally important. The safest indoor shelter is a basement or a windowless room on the lowest floor, such as an interior bathroom. Families should practice drills and designate meeting places in advance.
An emergency go-bag should include a flashlight, snacks and a battery-powered radio with fresh batteries. Items to comfort children, such as games, also can be helpful.
Planning is especially important for those who may be away from home when storms develop. Redmond advises monitoring forecasts before traveling and identifying sturdy shelter options along the route.
“If it’s a really high-end severe weather day, you’re going to hear about it,” he said. “Have a plan and be ready to enact it.”
Severe Weather Awareness Week offers an opportunity to review those plans and take part in the statewide drill, reinforcing what Redmond calls the most important step: “Have multiple ways of getting severe weather warnings in Kansas and then be able to enact on them and take proper shelter.”
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K‑State Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the wellbeing of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.