Douglas County, KS- Emergency Management

06/01/2026

We are watching the storms to our southwest. This storm currently in Osage County is moving northeast towards Douglas County. However, the National Weather Service has just cancelled the Severe Thunderstorm Warning on this storm. Gusty winds and small hail could still be possible, but the storm appears to be weakening. EM2 05/31/2026 2213

06/01/2026

National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 4AM CDT 06/01 for Douglas County. EM5 05/31 9:09P

05/31/2026

Douglas County remains under Slight Risk for severe storms this evening. Hazards include heavy rain, large hail, damaging winds, and lightning. There remains a low risk for a Tornado as well. Stay weather aware, and have multiple ways to receive alerts. 05/31 6:30PM

Thunderstorms could form over southern KS and northern OK this evening, potentially reaching portions of east central KS between 8 and 10 pm. These storms may produce damaging winds, large hail, and torrential rain. Please monitor weather conditions this evening and be prepared to seek shelter indoors if storms approach.

05/31/2026

Large Hail,damaging winds, low risk for a tornado this afternoon/evening. Confidence in storm occurrence in the area has increased slightly but remains low. However, there is high confidence in any storms that develop becoming severe. EM5 05/31 11:25AM

05/31/2026

Good morning, Douglas County. Heavy Rain, at times, looks to continue thru the morning hours. Be watchful for ponding on roadways. Slow down; wipers on /lights on! EM5 05/31 06:20 AM

Thunderstorms with heavy rain will continue moving east across the area this morning, impacting areas along and east of the Kansas Turnpike during early portions of the morning commute. So take it easy when driving through heavy rain and watch for any shallow ponding of water that could cause hydroplaning.

05/30/2026

Severe Weather potential will increase thru the evening hours Douglas County. Hazards include strong gusty winds and large hail. Have a plan if outdoors, and ensure you have multiple ways to receive alerts. Stay tuned for updates as weather develops. EM5 05/30 4:45pm

A line of thunderstorms is expected to move northeast across the area this evening. The strongest storms will be capable of damaging winds up to 70 mph and hail up to 2" in diameter. If you have outdoor plans, keep an eye to the sky this evening and be ready to move to shelter.

05/30/2026

Marginal Risk for evening/overnight strong to severe storms Douglas County. Main hazards will be damaging wind gusts to 60-70mph, along with some large hail. Stay tuned for updates, and have multiple ways to receive Wx Alerts! EM5 05/30 2:40pm

Isolated storms could occur (20% chance) this afternoon, but a better chance for more widespread thunderstorms will occur this evening as a line of storms moves northeast across the area. Damaging wind gusts and quarter sized hail will be possible with this evening's round of storms.

05/30/2026

FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 1045 AM CDT THIS MORNING FOR DOUGLAS COUNTY...

* WHAT...Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive
rainfall is expected.

* WHEN...Until 1045 AM CDT.

* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

EM5 5/30 08:05 AM

05/28/2026

Today marks 7 years since the May 28, 2019, tornado that impacted Douglas County. Dubbed the "Lawrence-Linwood" tornado, it caused EF-3 damage in Douglas County, narrowly missing the cities of Lawrence and Eudora, before moving into Leavenworth County and causing EF-4 damage. Scars of the tornado can still be seen in the trees along its path.

📷A hand drawn map by Incident Command noting the damage path and divisions for conducting search and rescue operations.
📷An outdoor warning siren stands near damaged trees and buildings.
📷Governor Laura Kelly and state officials tour the Emergency Operations Center and meet with local officials during recovery efforts.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to intern Aourell Le Guen and former intern Ellie Hall on graduating with their Master of Urban Planning degrees from the KU School of Public Affairs and Administration. Aourell has worked in our office since March, and plans to move back home to California this summer to work in urban planning. Ellie worked in our office earlier this year and now works as a planner for the City of Lawrence, Kansas - Municipal Government. 🎉