RILEY COUNTY —City crews are continuing cleanup efforts Tuesday following a line of severe thunderstorms that moved through Manhattan on Monday evening. The storms brought wind gusts up to 70 mph, nickel-sized hail, and as much as 3.5 inches of rainfall in some areas.
Strong winds caused widespread damage, including downed tree limbs and trees, and downed power lines across the community. Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding on roadways in several neighborhoods, including the College Heights area. Public Works crews are working to clear stormwater inlets and pick up remaining debris in city streets.
The Manhattan Fire Department (MFD) responded to 40 storm-related calls for service including reports of electrical fires, downed power lines, vehicles stuck in flood water, fallen trees on structures, and fire alarms.
MFD also responded to one structure fire at 2415 Charolais Lane. Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from a single-family home. All occupants were able to evacuate safely before firefighters arrived. Firefighters removed four cats and one dog from the structure unharmed and extinguished the fire within 10 minutes. Damage was estimated at $5,000 and the occupants were displaced.
Five Manhattan Parks and Recreation Forestry crews worked through the night to clear storm debris and fallen trees from roadways. By 1:00 a.m., all major roadways were passable. Crews continued to work Tuesday to address remaining debris and tree damage throughout the city. Residents may take storm debris to the Riley County Transfer Station located at 1880 Henton Road.
There is no charge for residential yard waste. Residents are reminded to use caution around storm damage, especially downed power lines, which should always be treated as live and dangerous. Call 911 to report downed power lines. Residents should not attempt to move limbs or debris that is in contact with power lines.
Storm season is active across Kansas, and residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts. City officials also recommend identifying shelter locations at home, work, and school and keeping emergency kits in vehicles and at home.
During severe weather watches, residents should closely monitor changing conditions and be prepared to take action immediately if a warning is issued. Find more information about the City of Manhattan at www.manhattanks.gov Find floodplain information and resources on the Know Your Flood Risk page at www.manhattanks.gov/knowyourfloodrisk