UPDATE: Dangerous Winds Cause Damage, Low Visibility in Russell Area, Fires Destroy Homes
Dangerous winds across Kansas and in the Russell area Wednesday caused damage and power outages, created significant visibility problems, and fueled grass and structure fires.
The highest wind gust reported at the Russell Municipal Airport was 100 mph.
Power outages were reported in Russell and across the area all day Wednesday due to numerous power poles being snapped and power lines down. Crews are making repairs as quickly and safely as possible. Please check the City of Russell Facebook page or website at russellcity.org for up-to-date information on the outages.
Many highways across central and western Kansas, including Interstate 70, were closed much of the day due to blowing dust and low visibility. Numerous vehicle accidents were reported.
KRSL News began receiving reports and pictures Wednesday afternoon of roofs blown off buildings in Russell as well as shingles missing from roofs, trees being blown down, sheds destroyed, windows blown out and power poles snapped. A USD 407 bus barn was destroyed.
South Fossil Street in Russell was closed Wednesday afternoon from Luray Street to Dorrance Street due to downed power poles. 7th Street from Kansas Street to Main Street was also closed due to roof damage that blew into the roadway. Please avoid these areas as crews work to make repairs.
A large grass fire was reported Wednesday afternoon in the Fairport area in northwest Russell County with multiple fire departments responding, including all Russell County units and some from as far away as the Leoti and Dodge City areas.
Law enforcement contacted residents in the Fairport, Paradise and Waldo areas. Many people living in those areas were evacuated.
The Russell County 4-H Building in Russell, the Luray American Legion Hall and the Waldo Senior Center are open for shelter.
Several homes were destroyed by fire, with confirmed structure fires in, west and south of Paradise and south of Natoma.
Total extent of damage is unknown. There are confirmed injuries according to Russell County Emergency Management.
There were several other grass fires in the Russell, Osborne, Rooks and Ellis County areas as well throughout the day and evening on Wednesday.
US Highway 281 north of Land Road north of Russell was closed Wednesday afternoon due to fires in the area.
A fire warning was in effect according to the National Weather Service.
Please stay home if you able to do so. Emergency crews are assessing damages and City of Russell crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible. Extra traffic is hindering operations.
Stay with KRSL Russell Radio and KRSL.com for continuing coverage.
(Photos courtesy Jennifer Beckman, Teresa Brandenburg, Jeff Ochampaugh, Josh Stephenson and Dustin Madden. Photos taken in Wilson, Russell and south of Russell.)
