By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Strong storms were predicted to move through Central Kansas around 10 p.m. Saturday evening. Those predictions came to fruition around midnight Saturday evening and into the early minutes of Sunday morning, keeping first responders busy with multiple reports of trees on fire, downed trees, and a semi truck blown over on U.S. 156 Highway.
The overturned semi resulted in no injuries but did temporarily shut down the highway east of Great Bend. Great Bend fire personnel also responded to several fire calls related to power lines. Law enforcement reported straight-line winds of at least 65 miles an hour near Great Bend, resulting in tree damage throughout the city. Localized flooding was also reported in the southeast corner of the city. Ellinwood lost power at approximately 12:05 a.m.
The storms kicked off in the northwest corner of the state with tornado warnings near Atwood and Oberlin. The cell remained together as it moved southwest through Hays and into the Eagle Media listening area. As of 12:38 a.m., a severe thunderstorm warning remained in effect for Rice, Ellsworth, and southeastern Rice County. The National Weather Service reported radar-indicated wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour.