May 5th tornadoes and flooding

A persistent weather system led to three bouts of severe weather across Central and South Central Kansas. In all, preliminary numbers have 20 tornadoes that touched down in Barton, Rice, Russell, Lincoln, Harper, and Reno counties.

Fortunately, the tornadoes were rated as EF1 or EF0. This means that significant damage to well built structures did not occur. Most of the damage was limited to trees and outbuildings like barns and sheds. Power lines across the region also took the brunt of the tornadoes and high winds, as several communities were left without power.

The other major hazard with this storm system was the major flooding that occurred across the area. Widespread rainfalls in excess of 6 inches and higher amounts up to 10 inches have occurred, which caused significant rises in area creeks and streams. This led to numerous road closures across many locations and even some evacuations. Now, the water has moved from the creeks and streams into the river system. River flooding is occurring with near record or record levels. This has also led to a more evacuations.

Below, you will find several images from across the area.

17 Tornado tracks across Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Russell, and Lincoln counties.	Street flooding in the city of Harper. Photo courtesy Nikki Hightree.	Grain bins blown over on the south end of Claflin.
Roof damage to a trailer located about 6 miles south of Great Bend.	Significant damage to a barn located about 4 miles SE of Claflin.	Snapped power lines located about 4 miles south of Claflin.
Minor damage to a home located about 4 miles SE of Claflin.	Near record to record flooding on the Arkansas river.