Mar 25, 2024

NWS confirms strength of tornado in southwest Kansas

Posted Mar 25, 2024 9:00 PM
Tornado southeast of Garden  City on Sunday- photo courtesy Millestone Custom Homes
Tornado southeast of Garden City on Sunday- photo courtesy Millestone Custom Homes

FINNEY COUNTY —Investigators with the National Weather Service determined the Sunday tornado in Garden City had a preliminary rating of an EF1,  with 90 mph 

In addition to the confirmed tornado, the storm brought hail, funnel clouds and several tornado warnings.

Around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, severe weather and high winds began moving across southwest Kansas, according to the National Weather Service.

The Garden City Police Communications Center received reports of storm damage, power outages and funnel cloud sightings. The city activated tornado sirens across Garden City.

Police, Fire and EMS personnel responded to assess damage reported  involving homes, commercial and industrial properties immediately east of U.S. Highway 83 and north of the Arkansas River to approximately Schulman Avenue.

-KHP Trooper Albers reported nickel to quarter size hail at Campus, just east of Oakley-photo Trooper Tod Heilman
-KHP Trooper Albers reported nickel to quarter size hail at Campus, just east of Oakley-photo Trooper Tod Heilman

First responders observed damage that was consistent with a tornado or very high winds. Police, Fire and EMS personnel are canvassed neighborhoods to assess damage and verify the wellbeing of residents.

 There were no injuries reported. The winds did damage transmission lines and power was out for approximately 1200 residents for two hours. 

The National Weather Service also issued tornado warnings on Sunday afternoon for Gove, Decatur, Sheridan and Thomas counties.  There are no additional reports of damage or injury.

City Public Works crews in Garden City will pick up storm debris starting Monday.