Destructive tornados reported in Kansas, surrounding states 

Two small Kansas towns took direct hits from large, destructive tornadoes on May 18. Grinnell in the northwest part of the state was hit during the early evening hours, and Plevna in central Kansas, had about the same fate at nearly midnight. 

The NWS in Goodland released preliminary results May 21 of their investigation of the Grinnell tornado, calling it an EF3 with an estimated peak wind of 140 mph. In total it lasted 29 minutes and covered 7.7 miles. It dissapated shortly after hitting Grinnell.

Reports have yet to come back for the Plevna storm. Survey teams are still in the area to assess damage and are expected to complete their investigations this week. 

Grinnell

A fast-moving tornado tore through Grinnell’s close to 250 homes on May 18, leaving many damaged or destroyed. According to the Gove County Sheriff’s office social media, the storm was fast and destructive and touched down south of town and crossed Interstate 70. Due to downed power lines and vehicle crashes, I-70 was closed for some time on May 18. 

Despite the level of destruction, there were no serious injuries reported. Widespread utility outages are still ongoing. As of May 20, there are still nearly 80 outages reported by Midwest Energy in and around Grinnell. This is down from more than 200 after the tornado strike. Nearly four dozen utility trucks have been deployed from across western Kansas, including crews from Colby, Hays, WaKeeney, Oakley, Norton, and Hoxie. Crews have been working to restore electric service after key transmission lines and infrastructure inside city limits were damaged. Gas service is still being restored. 

The Grinnell VFW has become the central coordination point for shelter and volunteer support, according to Northwest Kansas Radio social media. Volunteers need to check-in there before going to help. 

Plevna

According to the Reno County Emergency Management social channels, the tornado first touched down at 11:50 p.m., May 18 and caused significant damage to the city of Plevna. It damaged several homes, trees and utility poles. It continued to cause damage approximately 5 miles north and east of Plevna before dissipating. 

A tornado emergency was issued around 11:50 p.m. and was described as large, destructive and moving at a speed of 35 mph, according to weather service officials. 

Travis Vogt, Reno County fire administrator told KSN, the tornado at one point was believed to be at least a mile wide. There have been no reported injuries or fatalities. 

News reports said Midwest Energy had about mile of transmission line that went down because of the storm and left customers in Preston, Turon and the surrounding area without power.  

Other areas

The tornado that went through Plevna May 18 is reported to have been part of a storm system that originally started southwest of Greensburg. Initially, the projected path of early tornadoes looked as if it was going to hit the town, which had been destroyed by a deadly EF-5 tornado in 2007. 

On May 19, residents were relieved to find only downed power lines, no electricity and a train derailment in nearby Haviland. For many it was eerily similar to the 2007 storm track.  

Greensburg City Administrator Stacy Barnes told a Wichita news station the close call was a reminder as to why residents in her town take severe weather warning seriously.  

“Once you experience that or witness firsthand the strength of what tornadoes can do, I think you definitely take the warnings very seriously and you’re prepared,” she told KAKE news. 

Great Plains Alfalfa, in Pratt County, was assessing the damage to its plant from severe weather the day before. Large metal bins were blown over, buildings damaged, trees blown over and stacks of alfalfa bales were knocked over and split open.  

After the disaster

For some community members a disaster becomes a way to volunteer and help support those in need. A few tips to consider: 

•Avoid affected areas to allow emergency crews to conduct operations. Only residents will be allowed into the affected areas. 

• Do not drive around barricaded roadways. Law enforcement officers have set up barricades for your safety. If you encounter a roadway that has a power line across it, turn around and call 911. 

• Report downed power lines or gas leaks immediately to 911. 

• Do not attempt to drive through debris-covered roads. 

• Avoid entering damaged buildings until they are declared safe. 

• Check on your neighbors. 

Help is on the way

Following the tornadoes, the Red Cross reported disaster workers in Reno County and around Grinnell to help distribute supplies and assess damage. Coordination with local officials helps to address any needs for shelter, food, health services and other support. The Red Cross hotline is 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) and is available 24 hours a day. 

On May 19, an emergency center was in the Abbyville Community Center at 311 East Avenue F. The center is expected to be open through May 21 to help those in Plevna and surrounding areas of Reno County. For those looking to help in Reno County community members are asked to call the Reno County Volunteer Center and mention the Plevna disaster relief efforts: 620-665-4960. 

According to social media posts, the greatest needs are for specific donations of gift cards to Dillons or Wal-Mart for use on basic needs. Other items in need include NEW phone chargers and NEW, unopened hygiene items. These items can be donated to the Salvation Army in Hutchinson (700 N. Walnut). 

To donate financially, visit unitedwayofrenocounty.org/disaster or call the United Way of Reno County at (620) 669-9329 and mention the Plevna Disaster Relief Fund. 

According to a post on the Gove County Community Foundation Facebook page, Grinnell needs support now more than ever. “After the devastating tornado, families are starting over—many with nothing left,” a post said. 

With the help of another organization, the GCCF has created the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Fund, led by Grinnell Promoting Pride & Progress, to provide immediate help and long-term support to those impacted. 

More than 700 volunteers showed up yesterday to help with cleanup. The group invited others to donate and help lighten the burden for residents affected by the tornado. Visit https://gnwkcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund to donate.  

Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].