A confirmed destructive tornado was spotted near Greensburg, Kansas, around 9:45 p.m. on Sunday. The twister is moving northeast at 30 mph. Residents are urged to take shelter immediately,.
NWS wrote, “TORNADO EMERGENCY for GREENSBURG. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW.”
Tornado Watch
Tornado Watch 287, which was previously in effect until 10 PM CDT, has been extended and is now in effect until midnight CDT tonight for the following counties in Kansas:
Central Kansas:
{{/usCountry}}Tornado Watch 287, which was previously in effect until 10 PM CDT, has been extended and is now in effect until midnight CDT tonight for the following counties in Kansas:
Central Kansas:
{{/usCountry}}Ellis
Rush
South Central Kansas:
Barber
Comanche
Edwards
Kiowa
Pawnee
Pratt
Stafford
Cities included in this watch:
Coldwater, Greensburg, Haviland, Hays, Kinsley, Kiowa, La Crosse, Lake Coldwater, Larned, Lewis, Macksville, Medicine Lodge, Pfeifer, Pratt, Protection, St. John, and Stafford.
2007 Tornado
In May 2007, an EF-5 tornado tore through Greensburg, killing 12 people and injuring 63 others. The twister destroyed 95% of the community, with more than 1,400 homes and businesses damaged.
Tornado Damage in Kansas
A tornado struck Grinnell, Kansas, on Sunday evening, damaging parts of the town and disrupting transportation in the region. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, sections of I-70 in northwest Kansas were shut down after downed power lines blocked travel lanes near Grinnell.
Midwest Energy, Inc. reported that 15 utility poles were damaged in the area. As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of injuries or fatalities.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall expressed support for the affected community, stating, "Our prayers are with the Grinnell community this evening following the tornado that touched down. We urge everyone to stay safe, avoid the area, and closely follow guidance from local authorities as severe weather continues to move across our state."
Senator Jerry Moran also voiced concern, noting ongoing coordination with local officials.
"I’m concerned for the communities in western Kansas impacted by the tornadoes and am working with local officials to assess the damage and see what are the immediate needs on the ground," Sen. Moran said. "Kansans, please stay alert! The dangerous weather conditions across the state have already resulted in tornadoes in Gove County and Scott County with much of the state facing more storms and potential tornadoes."