UPDATE — Wednesday, September 30, 4:13 PM CT: The tornado warning continues for Rush County until 4:30 PM. A weak, brief tornado was indicated by radar near Shaffer, moving northeast at 30 miles per hour. Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado — do not wait to see or hear it. Take cover now.

UPDATE — Wednesday, September 30, 4:00 PM CT: The tornado warning remains in effect through 4:30 PM CT for north central Pawnee and southeastern Rush counties. Weather spotters confirmed a weak, brief tornado near Ash Valley, moving northeast at 30 mph. Take cover now — move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

UPDATE — Wednesday, September 30, 3:40 PM CT: The Weather Service's 3:40 PM update expanded the Tornado Warning to cover southeastern Rush County as well as northeastern Pawnee County, through 4:30 PM. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a weak, brief tornado was near Sanford, moving northeast at 35 mph; spotters reported a funnel cloud, and the storm was expected near Ash Valley around 3:45 PM.

Pawnee County, KS — A tornado warning is in effect for central Pawnee County through 3:45 p.m. Wednesday.

What is happening: The National Weather Service in Dodge City issued the warning at 3:20 p.m. after radar picked up a severe thunderstorm showing rotation near Rozel. The storm was moving northeast at 35 mph. Forecasters warned of a weak, brief tornado that could touch down quickly. The dangerous storm was expected near Sanford around 3:25 p.m.

Local impacts: The weather service said the storm could damage mobile homes, roofs, and vehicles. Rotation was radar-indicated, meaning a tornado could form with little notice as the storm moves through central Pawnee County.

What to do:

• Take cover now — do not wait for the storm to pass overhead.

• Go to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

• Stay away from windows.

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

Source: National Weather Service in Dodge City, September 30, 2026.