While millions of football fans are glued to their screens for the NFL Draft, a different kind of storm is brewing across the Plains. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for eastern Kansas and northern Oklahoma, with winds that could hit 80 miles per hour and hail the size of softballs.
The timing couldn't be more dramatic: as the first round unfolds, more than 1.5 million residents are being urged to stay weather-aware. The watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. local time, and the threat is real.
What's Coming?
According to the National Weather Service, severe storms are expected to form Thursday afternoon in eastern Kansas, then push south toward the Kansas/Oklahoma border by evening. A line of storms will roll into northern Oklahoma early tonight.
“Initial supercells will be capable of producing very large hail (2-3 inches in diameter) and several tornadoes (potentially EF2+),” the agency warned. “The threat will transition more to wind damage as storms grow into a line by early tonight.”
EF2 tornadoes can cause significant damage—ripping roofs off homes, uprooting trees, and tossing cars. Combined with 80 mph straight-line winds, this system is no joke.
Draft Night Disruptions?
For those in the affected areas, the Draft might have to take a backseat to safety. If you're in Kansas or Oklahoma and planning to watch the picks, keep one eye on the sky. The major tornado watch issued for three states also includes parts of Missouri, so the danger zone is wide.
Even if you're just following the Cowboys' draft buzz or wondering about other team moves, don't ignore the warnings. The NWS advises having a plan in place before the storms hit.
Safety First
Here's what you need to do to stay safe:
- At home: Head to the basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Don't forget your pets if time allows.
- At work or school: Follow your tornado drill and proceed calmly to the shelter. Avoid cafeterias, gyms, and auditoriums.
- Outside: Get inside a sturdy building immediately. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents won't cut it.
- In a vehicle: This is the most dangerous place. Drive to the nearest shelter if possible. If you can't make it, get down low in the car and cover your head, or abandon it for a low-lying ditch or ravine.
The NWS also recommends keeping a NOAA Weather Radio or local news handy for updates. With hail the size of baseballs possible, staying informed is critical.
For now, the NFL Draft will go on—but for fans in the path of this storm, the priority is clear: stay safe, Kansas and Oklahoma.
