WICHITA, Kan. (Washington Insider Magazine) – Officials reported Saturday that a twister that ripped across areas of Kansas damaged or destroyed dozens of structures and residences, wounded several people, and left over 6,500 people without power.
Late Friday, the reported twister passed between southeast Andover and southeast Wichita, according to officials. During a press briefing early Saturday morning, Andover Fire Chief Chad Russell estimated that 50 to 100 structures were damaged throughout Sedgwick County, however the exact number of buildings affected in Andover was not known immediately.
Homes “were completely blown away” in several communities, according to Russell.
Only a few injuries were recorded, according to officials. Three individuals were wounded in Sedgwick County, including one femLe who was severely injured.
An additional search of residences in Andover has already been completed. There are homes that have been entirely knocked off their roots and entire communities that have been wiped away, but no significant injuries, according to Russell.
Damage to City Hall also delayed “some of our efforts,” according to Russell. The Prairie Creek Elementary School and Dr. Jim Farha Andover YMCA were both allegedly destroyed.
National Weather Service field personnel worked Saturday to establish the severity and intensity of the tornado, according to Wichita office meteorologist Kevin Darmofal.
Aldo and Flor Delgado claimed they prayed in their Andover home’s basement as a twister passed directly overhead, demolishing their house and cars.
When the couple noticed the tornado forming outside their window on Friday night, they went to the basement.
Flor Delgado told the Wichita Eagle that she could hear her house being ripped apart while they prayed for their safety.
The pair made out of the wreckage with only the clothing on their backs when the storm passed. Their vehicles, personal belongings, and home have all gone.
Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed a State of Emergency in the hardest-hit districts. According to ABC NEWS, the announcement makes state resources accessible to assist local authorities with relief and rehabilitation activities in regions impacted statewide.
Heavy hail storms were recorded in various locations across the Plains, in addition to storms. According to the National Weather Service and storm spotters, softball-sized hail was seen near Kansas, Enterprise, Holbrook, and Nebraska.
