Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects. Boaters on area lakes should use extra caution since strong winds and rough waves can overturn small craft.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 260 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN KANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 7 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL KANSAS DICKINSON IN EAST CENTRAL KANSAS GEARY MORRIS IN NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS CLAY CLOUD OTTAWA IN NORTHEAST KANSAS RILEY THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ABILENE, BENNINGTON, CLAY CENTER, CONCORDIA, COUNCIL GROVE, HERINGTON, JUNCTION CITY, MANHATTAN, AND MINNEAPOLIS.