City
City crews continue to make steady progress cleaning up after the severe thunderstorms that moved through Manhattan on the evening of May 18, 2026.
Storms brought wind gusts of up to 70 mph, nickel-sized hail, and as much as 3.5 inches of rainfall in some areas. Strong winds caused widespread damage, including downed tree limbs and trees, as well as downed power lines.
The Manhattan Fire Department responded to 40 storm-related calls for service, including reports of electrical fires, downed power lines, vehicles stuck in floodwater, fallen trees on structures and fire alarms.
Fire crews also responded to a structure fire at 2415 Charolais Lane. Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from a single-family home. Occupants had exited the home before firefighters arrived. Crews removed four cats and one dog from the structure unharmed and extinguished the fire within 10 minutes. Damage was estimated at $5,000, and the occupants were displaced.
Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Forestry crews began work to clear roads immediately. Thanks to their efforts, all major roadways were passable by 1:00 a.m. May 19.
For debris on private property, Riley County residents may take storm debris to the Riley County Transfer Station, 1880 Henton Road, where non-commercial yard waste is accepted at no charge.