Despite the tornado warnings, there was no major damage from storms that moved through Saline County late Tuesday and early Wednesday, according Saline County Public information officer Melissa McCoy.
Residents in many areas of Saline County reported hail and wind gusts over 60 mph. At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Wichita issued a tornado warning for southwestern Saline County, northwestern McPherson County and southeastern Ellsworth County
A strong storm system moved through Saline County Tuesday night, bringing localized flooding, hail, and isolated tree damage. Fortunately, no tornadoes touched down within the county, though the potential for significant damage was present.
“We got lucky last night, but severe weather season is just ramping up,” said Michelle Weis, Emergency Management Director. “If a tornado had touched ground along the cell path, it would have been catastrophic.”
Saline County received approximately 15 minutes' notice before the storm cell was set to arrive in the area, allowing emergency management to activate the outdoor warning sirens early. It's important to note that outdoor warning sirens are intended to alert people who are outdoors with limited access to other information sources. During severe weather, residents must have multiple ways to receive timely warnings, including weather radios, local news, internet resources, and phone apps.
More on Outdoor Warning Sirens
The Salina Police Department flew drones over the Falun area this morning, assessing reported storm damage. The tree damage observed was confirmed to be caused by strong winds rather than tornadic activity. Saline County Rural Fire District 5 flew drones over the New Cambria and Niles area and found some localized flooding but no tornadic damage. Overnight, dispatch reported minimal roadway debris, with a single report of a tree limb in the City of Salina requiring attention.
Dispatch received an alarming number of calls during the storm from residents unsure about how to respond during a tornado warning. Please review the graphic below on tornado sheltering guidelines.
The next chance for rain will arrive Thursday and Friday. No severe weather is expected with this next system, according to the weather service.