This past Sunday, the central United States experienced a devastating weather event marked by destructive winds, giant hail, and multiple tornadoes. Communities across Kansas, Oklahoma, and other states were left grappling with widespread damage, as powerful storms, including a potential derecho, wreaked havoc.
Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Across Multiple States
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued numerous Tornado, Severe Thunderstorm, and Flash Flood warnings across the central U.S. on Sunday. Eight tornadoes were reported across Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma, contributing to the significant damage recorded in these areas. One tornado was believed to have crossed Interstate 70 west of Russell, Kansas, causing substantial destruction.
Impact on Russell, Kansas
Russell, Kansas, faced severe impacts from the storm. Local officials shared alarming images on social media, showcasing damage to trees, power lines, and homes. The community’s electric distribution system suffered considerable harm, along with homes, businesses, and vehicles. “The storm that hit Russell this afternoon caused significant damage across the community, including the electric distribution system, homes, businesses, and vehicles,” officials reported. Three structures were completely leveled, highlighting the storm’s intensity.
Widespread Damage in Wichita and Surrounding Areas
In and around Wichita, Kansas, the storm caused extensive destruction. Winds of up to 75 mph battered the area, with the town of Newton, north of Wichita, particularly hard-hit. Reports of wind gusts reaching 80 mph in Whitewater and 100 mph at the airport in Salina, Kansas, further illustrated the storm’s ferocity. Additionally, Fowler, Kansas, experienced a wind gust of 90 mph.
Massive Hail and Unprecedented Winds
The storms brought with them hailstones of immense size, with some reports indicating hail between tennis ball- and baseball-sized. The largest hailstone reported to the NWS was a staggering 3 inches in diameter in Ellis, Kansas. These severe weather conditions created a perilous environment, causing substantial property damage and posing serious risks to residents.
Comparison to Previous Storms
The recent storms were reminiscent of the severe weather that struck Texas and Louisiana on Thursday, where similar conditions prevailed. Winds of up to 100 mph devastated the Houston metro area, leading to at least seven fatalities and leaving over 1 million customers without power. The potential for a derecho sweeping across Kansas and Oklahoma on Sunday bore alarming similarities to this earlier event.
Severe Weather Threats for Monday
As the central U.S. recovers from Sunday’s storms, further severe weather is anticipated on Monday. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has identified two primary areas of concern, placing over 17 million people at risk. The Level 2 out of 5 risk encompasses parts of Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa, as well as sections of Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Notable cities within this risk zone include Norfolk, Omaha, Lincoln, McCook, Des Moines, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Chicago.
The thunderstorms expected to develop in the Plains and Midwest are forecasted to produce damaging wind gusts, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes, continuing the threat of significant damage across these regions.
Elevated Risk on Tuesday
The SPC has issued a more severe Level 3 out of 5 risk for Tuesday, affecting over 9.5 million people. This heightened threat spans seven states, from the Plains to the Midwest, indicating a substantial risk of storms capable of generating damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Over 31.5 million people, from Oklahoma to Michigan, have been placed in a Level 2 out of 5 risk, extending the alert to a broader area.
Cities under this Level 2 risk include Oklahoma City and Tulsa in Oklahoma, St. Louis in Missouri, Chicago in Illinois, Minneapolis in Minnesota, and Milwaukee and Green Bay in Wisconsin. These areas must brace for the potential of severe thunderstorms with dangerous wind gusts and significant hail.
Communities Prepare and Respond
In response to the ongoing threat, communities across the affected states are urged to stay vigilant and prepared. Emergency services and local authorities are working tirelessly to restore power, clear debris, and provide assistance to those affected by the storms. The NWS and local meteorologists continue to monitor weather patterns closely, providing updates and warnings to ensure public safety.
Safety Measures and Precautions
Residents in the impacted regions are advised to take several precautions:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check weather updates from trusted sources like the NWS.
- Secure Property: Protect homes and vehicles from potential wind and hail damage.
- Emergency Kits: Prepare emergency kits with essential supplies, including food, water, and medical items.
- Safe Shelters: Identify safe shelter locations in case of tornado warnings.
Conclusion
The central U.S. remains on high alert as severe weather conditions persist. The storms that caused extensive damage on Sunday are a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and power. As further severe weather is forecasted for Monday and Tuesday, residents must remain vigilant, prepared, and informed to mitigate risks and protect their communities.
