Published on March 10, 2026
The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-0 tornado moved through parts of Merriam late Friday night, bringing peak winds of approximately 75 miles per hour. According to preliminary reports, the tornado began in Shawnee just after 11:30 p.m., traveled along the I-35 corridor into Merriam, and continued into Kansas City, Missouri. In total, it traveled about eight miles.
The storm caused some property damage and left debris across Merriam neighborhoods.
Public Works crews will collect storm debris during the City’s spring tree limb pickup, which begins the week of March 23. Residents should place limbs at the curb by 7 a.m. on their scheduled pickup day, and crews will work through neighborhoods throughout the week.
Pickup guidelines: • Only tree limbs and brush larger than a pencil will be collected • Smaller debris should be placed in yard waste bags for regular pickup • Keep piles curbside and clear of anything that may block crews
Residents with questions can call Public Works at 913-322-5570.