READING – Gov. Sam Brownback has declared Reading a disaster area in the wake of a F3 tornado, packing wind speeds of 140 miles an hour, that smashed the town Saturday night. At least one person, Don Chesmore, 53, was killed when his mobile home was flipped over. Reading had about 15 minutes warning before the tornado hit. Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope said 38 that people sought shelter in the basement of a church.
Cope said Reading residents have been allowed into the town during the day Sunday and today but are asking them to leave the town by 6 as a safety issue. Those who stay are subject to a night-time curfew, he said. About 80 percent of the town has received damage and the power, water or sewer systems are all down, he said. At least 20 homes were destroyed and about 200 homes in and around the town were damaged. A volunteer reception center will be established today at the Lyon County Extension office in Emporia. Volunteers must be registered before they can enter the city of Reading to work. The Kansas State Animal Response Team has established an animal at the Lyon County fairgrounds in Emporia for lost pets recovered from the reading area.
Monday, May 23, 8:30 a.m.
