Backyard Southern Kansas Hailers 4/22/2025

Published on April 22, 2025

Okay – I didn’t think April 22, 2025 would yield quality storms, but I’m about to show you some really cool shots. This day was my 40th birthday – expectations were low, but figured hey – it’s a backyard chase, why not go check it out.

We departed Wichita around 4:30 pm with Kingman, Kansas as our initial target. We met some friends west of Kingman and watched as the cumulonimbus clouds started to bubble. Eventually – we dipped south into the Medicine Lodge area.

The above graphic, courtesy of the Storm Prediction Center, laid out a Slight Risk across the region, with hail and wind being the primary threats.

Storms took off at Medicine Lodge, starting to exhibit signs of small hail. Quickly, storms took off to the northeast direction and continued to grow, dumping copious amounts of hail larger than half dollars.

We opted to jump back south on the next storm rolling northeast from Medicine Lodge, and found an incredible shot of the sunset, plus severe storm rolling in.

Taken near Zenda, Kansas. Incredible sky shot. #kswx @nwswichita

A secondary updraft with wind turbines at sunset – taken near Zenda, Kansas. #kswx

Above is the exploding supercell near Medicine Lodge and is moved northeast toward Nashville and Zenda, Kansas. @nwswichita #kswx

The sunset sky did not disappoint either – as storms off to the east of Kingman were lit up by the end of twilight.

Overall – it was an enjoyable backyard chase – it’s the best with Mother Nature surprises us with amazing storm photography opportunities!