GOVE COUNTY —Spring storms brought hail, heavy rain, damaging winds and numerous tornadoes to portions of Kansas on Sunday. The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings in Cheyenne, Scott, Logan, Gove, Edwards, Pawnee, Kiowa, Stafford, Pratt and Reno Counties on Sunday.
A tornado in Grinnell Sunday caused damage to both the electric and gas systems in the small Gove County community, according to Midwest Energy. There were roughly 330 customers without power, and the utility closed off the gas system to inspect for additional damage and make repairs.
"The utility identified 15 poles down (twelve 34.5 kV poles west of town, and three 115kV transmission structures), as well as damage in Grinnell city limits." Additional damage is likely. "Crews will be working on these into Monday. .Gas crews were conducting leak surveys in town and in rural areas around Grinnell, and could attempt gas restoration Monday morning where safe to do so. There are no reports of serious injuries. Interstate 70 exit 85 remains closed at Grinnell due to tornado damage and downed powerlines in town, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.
Late Sunday afternoon, tornadoes rolled through portions of Scott County near the rural community of Modoc damaging power lines, rail road cars, oil tank batteries and an abandoned house, according to the Scott County Sheriff. Another tornado was reported at the Scott County Lake Park. Emergency responders found no damage from the storm in that area. There were no reports of injuries.
Cheyenne County had tornado damage west and south west of St. Francis, according to Emergency Management Director Ryan Murray. Two farmsteads had significant damage to outbuildings. No occupied homes were destroyed, and there were no injuries or fatalities. Murray also said Cheyenne County had reports of center pivot damage in the same area SW of St. Francis.
Due to the severe weather eastbound Interstate 70 was temporarily closed from Colby to Grinnell and Westbound Interstate 70 closed from Hays to Grinnell due to downed power lines.
Reno County emergency crews are assessing widespread damage after a tornado tore through rural areas and the city of Plevna on Sunday leaving downed trees, damaged homes, and snapped utility poles in its wake.
The tornado touched down around 11:50 p.m. north of Turon, cutting a destructive path through the countryside before striking Plevna. It then continued approximately five miles northeast of the city before dissipating.
Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.