An initial round of storms is expected in the region late afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, with a second round beginning later in the evening.

The first front is expected to move west to east across the region, and is expected to collide with a cold front pushing south from Nebraska later in the evening. While the afternoon storms are not expected to be in a line, but could become more organized as the cold front moves south.

“I think you guys in Hays might be getting some rain … maybe upwards of an inch,” said Dodge City-based meteorologist Marc Russell.

Most of western Kansas from the Hays region to the Oklahoma border is under threat of storms turning severe, he said.

Damaging wind, with gusts predicted at 44 mph is possible, as is large hail, possible golf ball- to baseball-sized.

While the Dodge City radar remains out of service for routine maintenance, Russell said sister stations throughout the region have the area covered.

After tonight’s series of storms moves out of the area, there will be a return to clear skies. The next chance of precipitation will be this weekend, although Russell said it’s too early to forecast where that line of rainfall will wind up.

Hang onto your hat Monday, however, as Russell said the Hays area can expect sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph all day and into the evening.