RANTOUL — John Brown Road between Texas and Vermont roads in eastern Franklin County is closed this morning because of several downed power lines, Franklin County emergency dispatch said. Crews probably won’t have the road cleared until 10 or 11 a.m. The lines were among several pulled down as a powerful series of severe storms packing high winds, driving rains and reported funnels Monday night. One person living north of Ottawa reported several power poles along Old Highway 59 between Sand Creek and Shawnee roads had been broken during the storm. The Ottawa Municipal Airport reported a quarter-inch of rain. Damage was reported throughout the area. Richmond-area residents reported roof damage to homes and farm buildings. Paola experienced widespread tree damage and downed limbs and trees closed a couple of streets Tuesday morning. The city said Paola city crews would pick up tree debris. Limbs and branches should be placed at front curbs before Friday, the city said. More than 500 households in an area around Ottawa and Paola remained without power early this morning. Power was reported out over an extensive area in east-central Kansas late Monday night.
Tuesday, March 7, 6 a.m.; updated 7:15 a.m.; updated March 8, 6 a.m.
