Tornado hits a Kansas town, leaving at least 1 dead and several hurt
One person was killed and three people were injured when a tornado hit the northeastern Kansas town of Westmoreland on Tuesday afternoon, according to a Pottawatomie County spokesperson.
Tornado Devastates Westmoreland, Kansas
According to a Pottawatomie County spokesperson, a tornado struck the town of Westmoreland in northeastern Kansas on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. The spokesperson, Becky Ryan, mentioned that authorities were still in the process of notifying the victim's next of kin and did not disclose any further details about the storm victim in a call with CNN. The tornado hit Westmoreland, which has a population of around 740 residents, at approximately 4:50 p.m. CT, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Impact and Damage
During a news conference, Becky Ryan stated that the three injured individuals did not require hospitalization. However, the tornado caused significant destruction, particularly affecting the northern half of the town. Pottawatomie County Sheriff Shane Jager described how the tornado "took the north half of the town."
Ryan further explained that the tornado resulted in the destruction or rendering uninhabitable of twenty-two houses, while thirteen other homes, one business, three RVs, and several outbuildings were also destroyed. Notably, even the Pottawatomie County administration buildings in Westmoreland sustained damage.
Response and Recovery Efforts
In response to the tornado, a curfew was implemented in Westmoreland starting at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, as stated in a news release. The Kansas Highway Patrol, as reported in an email release to CNN, was actively assisting in search and rescue efforts. Technical Trooper Jodi Clary mentioned that troopers were conducting house-to-house searches and rescue operations in Westmoreland.
Due to the tornado's impact, the city experienced a power outage, and crews were diligently working to restore electricity, according to Becky Ryan. Westmoreland is located approximately 60 miles northwest of Topeka.
The situation in Westmoreland remains a priority, and authorities and emergency responders are actively working to support the affected community in their recovery efforts.