COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. Storms Monday night dropped much-needed rain, but didn’t let up before turning severe and causing some tornado damage in Cowley County.
The National Weather Service says some of the worst damage they’ve seen from the storms is just northeast of Maple City in southern Cowley County. The damage immediately visible in the area includes a power pole that snapped off at its base.
The Kahrs family, living near Maple City, says Monday night’s storm began with rain and hail. Then, a funnel touched ground, becoming a tornado. For the night, this was one of three tornadoes reported in Cowley County, two of which hit near Maple City.
“It’s what everyone says when you hear that like freight train noise,” says Cody Kahrs.
At first, he says, he thought it was straight-line winds that shook his house. He soon learned it was a tornado, one that nearly struck his family’s home.
Kahrs pointed out what used to be a 50-foot shed nearby, now laying on its side.
Tuesday, the National Weather Service discussed its assessment of damage, looking closely at buildings, power poles, trees, etc…
Surveyors use technology to help them find the worst-hit areas. They say the tornado that hit near the Kahrs’ home north of Maple City was likely an EF-2.
“We are all safe, so that’s the most important part,” Cody Kahrs says.
by KWCH 12 (2018, May 15)
