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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 6, 2008 No. 08-053 STORM SYSTEM BRINGS MORE DAMAGE TO KANSAS A long-lasting storm system that began May 22 has caused more damage in the state. On the evening of June 5th, winds of up to 80 mph were reported and large hail struck parts of the state. Hail stones up to three inches in diameter were reported in Pawnee County. Two tornadoes passed through Trego County during the evening of June 5th, touching down briefly in unpopulated areas. Hail was reported in the western part of the county, doing damage to wheat crops around the towns of Collyer and Voda, in addition to damaging roofs and windows. Several power poles were also reported down as a result of the storm. Rooks County officials report a strike in the town of Woodson Thursday night, but it is unknown if it was a tornado or straight-line winds. One home was destroyed and two were damaged. No injuries were reported. Westar Energy reported more than 6,300 customers lost power in Shawnee County. According to Topeka Police, some of the downed power lines caused minor tree fires. Minor flooding was also reported in some areas. The Clay County Sheriff’s Department reported a tornado that destroyed one home and damaged several other buildings, in addition to knocking down power lines and trees. Brown County emergency management reports significant damage to homes along with debris from last night’s storms, as well as some damage to roads and bridges. Officials are currently doing assessments in preparation for a county emergency declaration. Linn County officials report an F1 tornado struck the county June 5th, knocking down a half mile of power lines that provide power to the city of Prescott in Linn County and Fulton in Bourbon County. Power is expected to be restored today. In addition, numerous outbuildings and sheds were destroyed and damaged along with numerous trees. Minor home damage was also reported. Ness County reported damages to utility systems and two homes destroyed. The town of Kensington in Smith County had hail damage to roofs and window screens and glass. June 4th Damage Rain and hail storms in Franklin County the evening of June 4 damaged approximately 10 homes and left two-thirds of the county without power, which has since been restored. The city of Ottawa estimates approximately $32,000 in damages to utilities. Water run-off has damaged approximately half of the roads in the county with an estimated damage of more than $75,000. Numerous trees are down in the county and in the city of Ottawa. Two communication towers were struck by lightning, causing more than $10,000 in damage and putting the towers out of service. In addition, a Franklin County Sheriff’s car was destroyed by hail and gas pumps at the county shop were hit by lightning. Straight line winds in Cowley County were clocked at 112 mph just outside Winfield on June 4th. The city-owned electric utility reports numerous power poles and transmission lines down with an estimated repair time of up to three days. Winds also downed many trees and left debris scattered over public roadways. The city pool has the roof blown off and debris in the pool. Riley County officials report eight businesses received minor damage and 77 others were affected by recent storms. 30 mobile homes sustained minor damage and 326 affected, with 72 single family homes receiving minor damage and other 1,124 affected. Two bridges sustained minor damage, as did two fire stations the city hall and the courthouse. In Bourbon County, a number of power poles and power lines were knocked down and some damage was reported to county roads and bridges on June 4th. The city of Fort Scott reports flooding and damage from debris. The Rush County road supervisor estimates $250,000 to $300,000 in damages to county roads. One tornado siren in the city of Otis was knocked out on May 25; the apparent cause was a lightning strike. The city of Stockton in Rooks County reports extensive damage from heavy rains, wind, hail and flooding on June 4th. These damages include streets, the drainage system, parks and recreation facilities, public buildings and the city cemetery. Several residential properties suffered basement flooding, as well, as a result of sewer backups. Linn County reports one home partially destroyed by storms that moved through the county earlier this week. Hundreds of trees were reported uprooted in the northeast part of the county and 80 to 90 percent of the county sustained some degree of hail damage. Hundreds of people were without power for several hours. There were also reports of flood damage to roads, but no dollar figure is available at this time. Chautauqua County officials have preliminary damage estimates from the storm that struck the Cedarvale community May 31. The school district lists approximately $1.1 million in damages. The building that houses the city fire truck sustained $40,000 in damages and the city hall, library and maintenance facility received approximately $120,000 in damages. -30- |
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