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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   July 9, 2009

No. 09-071

SEVERE STORMS HIT FOUR KANSAS COUNTIES

Damage assessments are being conducted in four counties hit by severe storms yesterday afternoon, July 8.
Anderson, Bourbon, Franklin and Linn Counties all sustained varying degrees of damage from severe thunderstorms accompanied by high straight-line winds that passed through from approximately 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. Officials in Anderson, Bourbon and Franklin Counties have all made local disaster declarations.

Kansas City Power and Light reports 231 power poles were knocked down, leaving approximately 8,000 customers without power. At this time, approximately 1,500 customers are still without power. KCPL expects power to restored to some customers today, but others may have to wait as long as next Tuesday to have power.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will assist with shelter and cooling station operations, if needed, in the affected counties.
Anderson County reports downed trees and limbs, which damaged some homes and closed some roads, downed power poles and some wind-related roof damage. Marvin Grimes, Anderson County emergency management coordinator, requested a helicopter from the Kansas Highway Patrol to conduct damage assessment. That flight is taking place this morning over Anderson, Bourbon and Franklin Counties.

Roof and window damage was reported in Bourbon County, along with numerous trees blown down. A semi-trailer was blown over on Hwy 54 at the junction with Hwy 3, but there were no known injuries.

Franklin County officials report storm damage in the southern portion of the county with trees downed on homes, vehicles and roads. A semi was blown over on top of a car on I-35 near Ottawa, but there were no known injuries. Winds damaged some businesses and homes, as well as a hangar at the Municipal Airport in Ottawa. Damage to the airport is unofficially estimated at approximately $1 million.

A two to three mile section of trees was reported downed along the Linn/Anderson Count line. The city of Blue Mound is without power, but that was expected to be restored by noon today. The Senior Center in Blue Mound is supported by a generator and is open as a cooling facility, but is not operating as a shelter.

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