By SALINA POST
At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Wichita issued a tornado warning for northwestern McPherson County, southeastern Ellsworth County, and southwestern Saline County. The warning is in effect until 12:30 a.m.
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 9 miles northwest of Marquette, or 10 miles southeast of Kanopolis, moving northeast at 55 mph.
Hazards include:
• A radar-indicated tornado
• Ping pong ball size hail
Potential impacts:
• Flying debris dangerous to those without shelter
• Damage to mobile homes, roofs, windows, and vehicles
• Tree damage is likely
Areas of concern include:
Kanopolis Lake, Falun, and Kanopolis State Park
The storm will mainly affect rural areas and could impact Interstate 135 near Mile Marker 7.
Take shelter immediately in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
Stay tuned to Salina Post for updates as this storm continues to move through the region.
. . .
The tornado warning for southeastern Ellsworth and western Saline counties expired at 11 p.m. Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, the warning was issued after radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado moving northeast through the area.
Saline County Public Information Officer Melissa McCoy confirmed that one tornado was reported to have briefly touched down near New Cambria. As of now, there have been no reports of injuries or significant structural damage.
One tree branch was reported in the roadway, but no other major issues have been confirmed.
At 11:16 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Wichita reported a severe thunderstorm near Culver, about 8 miles northwest of Salina. The storm is moving northeast at 40 mph.
Hazards include:
- Wind gusts up to 60 mph
- Quarter-size hail (1 inch)
Potential impacts:
- Hail damage to vehicles
- Wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees
Areas that may be affected include:
Brookville, New Cambria, Glendale, and Salina.
Safety reminder:
Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows.
Salina Post will provide updates as more information becomes available from emergency management and weather officials.
. . .
At 9:51 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Wichita issued an urgent tornado warning for southeastern Ellsworth and western Saline counties, in effect until 11:00 p.m. Tornado sirens have sounded in Salina.
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located approximately 8 miles northwest of Marquette, or 13 miles east of Kanopolis, moving northeast at 45 mph.
Hazards include:
- A radar-indicated tornado
- Half dollar size hail (1.25 inches)
Potential impacts:
- Flying debris dangerous to anyone without shelter
- Possible damage to mobile homes, roofs, windows, and vehicles
- Tree damage is likely
Communities potentially impacted include:
Brookville, Kanopolis Lake, Falun, and Kanopolis State Park.
Precautionary actions:
Take cover now. Seek shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you’re outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the nearest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
Stay tuned to Salina Post for updates as this severe weather situation develops.