UPDATE — Wednesday, September 30, 5:05 PM CT: The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a new Tornado Warning for southeastern Russell County and north central Barton County through 5:30 PM CDT. At 5:02 PM a confirmed tornado was on the ground 6 miles southeast of Milberger — 10 miles north of Hoisington — moving northeast at 35 mph. Spotters confirm the tornado remains on the ground. Take cover now.

UPDATE — Wednesday, September 30, 4:17 PM CT: The National Weather Service's latest update puts the warned storm over the Shaffer area, moving northeast at 30 mph — near Albert around 4:20 PM and Olmitz around 4:30 PM. The tornado warning for Barton and Russell counties remains in effect through 4:45 PM.

Russell County, Kan. — A confirmed tornado is on the ground in central Kansas. Weather spotters reported the twister about six miles south of Milberger — roughly ten miles northwest of Hoisington — at 4:12 PM, moving north at 35 miles per hour.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a tornado warning for southwestern Russell County and northwestern Barton County until 4:45 PM.

## What is happening:

A damaging tornado is on the ground and heading north. The weather service says it should reach Milberger around 4:20 PM. The storm also threatens Interstate 70 between mile markers 182 and 185 and between 187 and 189.

A second storm over Shaffer in Barton County is showing rotation on radar and could also produce a tornado. That storm is drifting northeast at 30 miles per hour, putting Albert and Olmitz in its path through about 4:30 PM.

## Local impacts:

Flying debris will be dangerous to anyone caught out in the open. Mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed. Expect damage to roofs, windows and vehicles, and tree damage is likely.

## What to do:

- Take cover now. Get to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

- Stay away from windows.

- If you are outside, in a mobile home or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

- Do not wait to see the tornado. Heavy rain can hide it.

*Source: National Weather Service in Wichita, Kansas. Issued September 30, 2026.*