RUSSELL COUNTY — Spring thunderstorms brought flooding rain, large hail and extreme winds Sunday afternoon and evening across Kansas. There are no injuries reported.
The storms started tracking across the state just after 2p.m. and prompted numerous watches and tornado warnings.
Just before 5p.m. the Salina Airport recorded winds of of 100 miles per hour. Heavy rain caused flooding over Highway 14 in Ellsworth County.
The storms in Harvey and Sedgwick counties produced 80-90mph winds that caused structural damage, downed power lines, and turned over semis, according to the National Weather Service.
Russell experienced golf ball-sized hail and 82 mph wind gusts as a tornado-warned storm passed through the area causing significant damage across the community. Power was out in most of the community and at least three structures were leveled, according to a report on the city's social media page. Power lines are down and trees are blocking roadways in Russell and many communities across the region.
Newton USD 373 canceled school for Monday at Chisholm Middle School due to weather damage. Unified School District 407, Russell also cancelled classes due to weather related issues.
There were over 18,000 residents in Hutchinson without power Sunday night according to the Evergy outage map, after a severe thunderstorm with 86 mile per hour winds, measured at 7:40p.m. at the Hutchinson Airport.
The storm caused significant damage in Burrton, with Highway 50 shut down between Yoder Road and the Harvey County line Sunday night due to a chemical leak. Haven Road was also closed due to power poles down east of town. Burrton residents were temporarily asked to shelter in place due to a the possible chemical leak at the damaged oil facility west of the city. The alert was issued just after 9 p.m and lifted at approximately 11 p.m.
Several damaged buildings were reported throughout Harvey county.
Other roadways in Harvey were closed as of Sunday night due to flooding, tree damage or power line damage include:
· North Burmac Road from U.S. 50 to Northwest 24th Street
· Southwest 36th Street between Halstead Road and Old Settlers Road
· North Spring Lake Road from U.S. 50 to West First Street
· North Golden Prairie Road from U.S. 50 to Northwest 24th Street
· North River Park Road from U.S. 50 to West First Street
Power outages were numerous throughout Harvey county. Evergy reported more than 10,000 customers affected in Harvey County, and Butler Electric reported 98 customers without power.
Harvey County issued a verbal disaster declaration due to the weather damage. Disaster declarations aid with coordination of resources if needed.
Haven Police reported that there is damage to various structures throughout that city. The Senior Center is open for those who need power as of Sunday night, but if you don't have to get out, travel is not recommended until at least sunrise.
According to the Evergy outage map, at least 20,000 people living in and around Overland Park, Kansas, had experienced a power outage. About 20,000 people in and around Kansas City, Missouri, also were without power.