Storms, rain possible all weekend

Scattered strong storms are possible this afternoon and weekend. (National Weather Service graphic)
Strong to severe storms are possible on Saturday afternoon and evening. (National Weather Service graphic)

Storms and rain are in the forecast for Friday through Sunday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

After a day off on Monday, storms will return for Tuesday through Wednesday night, the weather service said.

The main concerns now will be for strong storms tonight, severe storms Saturday and strong storms again on Sunday, according to the weather service. With an active pattern continuing into next week, continued and aggravated river flooding will be possible in the region, the weather service said.

At 8:45 a.m. Friday, the Missouri River at Parkville, which also includes Wyandotte County in its forecast area, was in moderate flood stage and declining. The river was very close to dropping into minor flood stage.

Showers earlier this morning were followed by mostly cloudy conditions. This afternoon and tonight, strong storms may develop over eastern Kansas, with a potential to be strong to severe. Small hail and strong winds are possible, according to the weather service.

Strong to isolated severe storms are possible on Saturday, the weather service said. The main threats will be for strong to damaging winds as well as small hail up to the size of a quarter.

Today, there is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 3 p.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 77 with a south wind of 14 to 17 mph, gusting to 32 mph. Less than a tenth of an inch is possible.

Tonight, there is a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 7 p.m., with a low of 68, according to the weather service. A south wind of 10 to 15 mph may gust as high as 30 mph. Less than a tenth of an inch of rain is possible.

Saturday, there is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 7 p.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 85, with a south southwest wind of 7 to 13 mph, gusting as high as 25 mph.

Saturday night, there is a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m., according to the weather service. The low will be 67 with a south southwest wind of 5 to 10 mph, becoming light in the evening. Between a quarter and half-inch of rain is possible

Sunday, there is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 83 with a calm wind. Less than a tenth of an inch of rain is expected.

Sunday night, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mostly before 1 a.m., according to the weather service. The low will be around 62. Less than a tenth of an inch of rain is expected.

Monday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 80, the weather service said.

Monday night, it will be mostly cloudy, with a low of 60, according to the weather service.

Tuesday, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 80.

Tuesday night, there is a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m., according to the weather service. The low will be around 63.

Wednesday, there is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 81, the weather service said.

Wednesday night, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low of 64, according to the weather service.

Thursday, it will be mostly sunny with a high of 83, the weather service said.

The Missouri River at Parkville was in moderate flood stage and declining on Friday morning. (National Weather Service – USGS graphic)

Big Eleven Lake warning issued because of algae

Big Eleven Lake near 11th and State is under a public health advisory because of blue-green algae, according to a news release from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The KDHE and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism issued the warning.

According to KDHE, the warning means:

• Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
• Water contact should be avoided.
• Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Other Kansas lakes under warnings are Jerry Ivey Pond in Saline County and Overbrook City Lake in Osage County.

Watches for blue-green algae have been issued for Atchison County State Fishing Lake, Atchison County; Marion County Lake, Marion County; Marion Reservoir, Marion County; and Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County.

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. The water may be unsafe for humans and animals. Animals that swim in or drink water affected by harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae may become seriously ill or die.

According to KDHE, algae blooms may develop rapidly and float around the lake, and visitors need to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, people should avoid contact and keep pets away.

For more information, visit https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/6-13%20BGA.pdf