Harvey County officials are starting to assess the damage from Sunday’s severe thunderstorms that brought straight line winds of 72 to 90 mph.

The Harvey County Appraiser’s Office has begun assessing damage in Halstead and Burrton, and information will be collected over the next several days.  It will be submitted to the Kansas Division of Emergency Management to determine if the county meets monetary thresholds to qualify for various aid and reimbursements.

The American Red Cross is also compiling damage assessments. The Red Cross has distributed clean-up and other supplies in the area. If residents need clean-up supplies, or have had significant damage to their home, contact the Red Cross at 1-800-redcross (1-800-733-2767).

Residents in unincorporated parts of the county can contact the Harvey County Planning, Zoning and Environmental Department for guidance on permitting for construction. Permits are required for all structures. However, roofing and siding replacements do not require a permit.

Some residents and businesses remain without power in Harvey County. As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, Evergy reported 1,544 customers remain affected by outages in the county.

The Harvey County Health Department remained closed Tuesday due to the power outage. It will attempt to reopen Wednesday at 8 a.m. All County-owned parks are open to visitors, but West Park remains without power. The West Park bait shop is closed until power is restored.

Some roadways remained closed Tuesday due to downed power lines and debris. Closed roads include, but may not be limited to:

· North River Park Road from West First Street to Northwest 12th Street

· South Anderson Road from Southwest 36th Street to Southwest 60th Street

· Southwest 14th Street from Cow Palace Road to South Plum Street

· Southwest 24th Street from South Hoover Road to South West Road

· Southwest 84th Street from South Sand Hill Road to South Prairie Lake Road.

Harvey County Commissioners have voted to approve a formal disaster emergency declaration.