The Flint Hills were dominated by strong winds and heavy rain Wednesday which knocked out power, trees and caused widespread damage across the region.
In Manhattan, a number of traffic signals and intersections were down, due to storm and wind damage. Thousands across Riley, Geary and Pottawatomie County have experienced power outages. According to Evergy officials, no estimate could be provided as to when power might be restored, due to the extent of storms statewide.
The 600 block of Houston Street and 900 block of Ratone Street will remain closed until sometime Thursday as city officials say large trees were blocking the roadways.
Fort Riley officials say damage assessments are ongoing with numerous reports of downed power lines and outages as well as damaged roofs and some debris. Residents were told to stay in their homes.
Peak wind speeds across the area topped 94 mph at Fort Riley and at Grandview Plaza. An 88 mph wind gust was also reported in Manhattan.
Multiple tornado warnings were spawned throughout the afternoon spanning Riley and Pottawatomie County followed by brief, heavy downpours and haze caused by wildfires throughout the region.
It was also a record setting day in terms of the temperature as Manhattan’s high reached 77, breaking the previous record of 69 recorded in 2002. It’s tied for the single warmest day ever recorded in December in Manhattan.
