Severe weather caused havoc in western Kansas last night, May 19th, as several tornadoes tore across the state, including one that hit the city of Grinnell, causing severe damage. The storm moved through Gove County around 7:00 last night, passing over I-70 and hitting the west side of the town. Hundreds of people are without power this morning as the storm tore down power lines and poles all across the area. Pictures show the roof torn off the Immaculate Conception Church. Damage to schools, grain elevators and houses flattened, as well as cars and trucks strewn across I-70. The highway was shut down for several hours last night as emergency crews and first responders swarmed to the area.
If you are traveling in that area, please be aware that the Kansas Department of Transportation wants all motorists to know that I-70 is back open between Colby and Hays; however, eastbound and westbound traffic is reduced to one lane between mile markers 82 and 87 near Grinnell. Exit 85 also remains closed at Grinnell due to tornado damage and downed power lines in town.
Please be very weather aware today across our area as more severe weather is expected. Stay tuned to KOFO for all the latest updates on any severe weather in the KOFO listening area.
