Early April straight line winds

April 2nd, 2010 Straight Line Wind Damage

By: NWS Wichita

During the early morning hours of April 2nd, a few clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms raced northeast across eastern Kansas. A strong low-level jet and cold front aided in the development of the storms. The storms moved at unprecedented speeds upwards of 70 mph! Among other things, this fast movement helped the thunderstorms produce brief, but very strong straight line winds. These severe straight line winds caused power outages, damage to numerous outbuildings and homes, and also uprooted trees. The most damage occurred in Elk, Greenwood, Montgomery, Wilson and Allen counties.

Damage to a barn in Montgomery County. (Picture courtesy of Pascal Van Schijndel)

Damage to an outbuilding in Montgomery county. (Picture courtesy of Pascal Van Schijndel)

Damage to Outbuilding in Montgomery county. (Picture courtesy of Pascal Van Schijndel)

A tree uprooted and landed on a home in Montgomery county. (Picture courtesy of Pascal Van Schijndel)