Wind warning in effect today

A high wind warning is in effect now through 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

After that, a wind advisory will be in effect from 6 p.m. to midnight, according to the weather service.

The weather service said sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts exceeding 45 to 50 mph are possible this afternoon. Winds will slacken slightly later this evening.

Southerly winds this afternoon will become westerly to northwesterly later, with the passage of a cold front, the weather service said.

Winds not associated with storms may cause damage, bringing down trees, tree limbs or power lines, the weather service said.

Strong crosswinds on highways could make travel difficult, particularly for high profile vehicles, the weather service said.

Also, light objects such as lawn furniture and trash cans may be blown around.

Motorists are advised to use caution while driving.

In Kansas City, Kan., the fire marshal has issued a burn ban for now until further notice.

The tornado watch has been lifted in Wyandotte County, as the major portion of the storm was to the north and east.

Sewage spill reported in Little Turkey Creek Tuesday

About 800,000 gallons of raw sewage was lost into Little Turkey Creek during a 4.5-hour period on Tuesday, according to a Unified Government spokesman.

The UG was completing emergency repairs to a wastewater pump station on Tuesday when the spill occurred, according to the spokesman.

The release occurred about 1 mile above the confluence of the Kansas River, which is about 4 miles upstream from the Turner boat ramp, the spokesman said.

The reach of Turkey Creek affected by this release is not readily accessible to the public, according to the public. While the Unified Government does not believe this incident poses a significant threat to public health, public notification and testing is being completed in accordance with the state health and environmental agency’s (KDHE) requests, the spokesman said.