Independence Kansas Police Department

⚠️ WEATHER ALERT | City of Independence, Kansas
Saturday, July 4, 2026

The National Weather Service is monitoring the potential for severe thunderstorms across southeast Kansas beginning around 4:00 PM and continuing through the overnight hours. Some storms could become severe with:

🌩️ Damaging winds of 60–75 mph
🧊 Large hail up to tennis ball size
🌪️ A few brief tornadoes are possible
🌧️ Heavy rainfall with localized flooding

While there is still some uncertainty on exactly where storms will develop, Independence remains in the area that could experience severe weather this evening. The greatest potential for severe storms is expected between 4:00 PM and 11:00 PM.

If you are celebrating the Fourth of July outdoors:
🇺🇸 Monitor the weather throughout the day.
📱 Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including Wireless Emergency Alerts, weather apps, NOAA Weather Radio, and local media.
🏠 Know where you will take shelter if warnings are issued.
🚗 Never drive through flooded roadways—Turn Around, Don't Drown.

The City of Independence Emergency Services will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Stay weather aware and have a safe Independence Day!

🌩️ WEATHER UPDATE 🌧️
City of Independence, Kansas
Friday, June 26, 2026 | 4:30 PM

⚠️ Don't let the sunshine fool you! While conditions are quiet this afternoon, the National Weather Service is monitoring the potential for isolated to scattered thunderstorms after 10:00 PM tonight.

Storms may produce:
💨 Wind gusts of 50–60 mph
🧊 Dime- to quarter-sized hail
🌧️ Heavy rainfall

🚨 Flood Warning Remains in Effect

With saturated ground from recent rains, flash flooding can develop quickly if additional heavy rainfall occurs tonight.

Please help keep yourself and our first responders safe:
✅ Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
🚧 Never drive around barricades.
🚗 Turn Around, Don't Drown if you encounter water covering a roadway.

🚓🚒 City Emergency Services will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the evening and will provide updates as needed.

Stay weather aware, Independence, and have a safe Friday evening

UPDATE 6/23/26: A confirmed contact occurred on May 8th, 2026. During that contact, he was assisted in getting to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Since then, there has been no verified contact, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.

If you have seen him, spoken with him, or have any information about where he may be, please contact us or your local law enforcement agency.

MISSING PERSON:
Daniel James Hillyard
Missing From: Independence, Kansas

Height: 6’0” Weight: 115 lbs
Race/Sex: White Male
Hair: brown Eyes: brown

**UPDATE 6/23/26: A confirmed contact occurred on May 8th, 2026. During that contact, he was assisted in getting to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Since then, there has been no verified contact, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.

If you have seen him, spoken with him, or have any information about where he may be, please contact us or your local law enforcement agency. **

Daniel James Hillyard has been reported missing and has not been heard from or seen by family or friends in several weeks. His clothing description and last known location are unknown however, he may have been last seen on CR 3900, approximately six miles south of Independence.

If you see Daniel or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact local law enforcement, or IPD at 620-332-1700.