UPDATE: National Weather Service officials are confirming that two tornadoes touched down Wednesday night in Shawnee and Wabaunsee counties. Authorities say the twister in Wabaunsee County generated winds of up to 115 mph. No injuries were reported.
The Shawnee County tornado – which came down near Rossville – reportedly packed slightly more powerful winds. No injuries were reported in either incident. However, both twisters damaged trees, outbuildings and at least one area home.
——————————————————————–
Severe thunderstorms developed over northern Kansas Wednesday evening and there were reports of large hail and a tornado. More severe weather developed late Wednesday night and moved across parts of south central and southeast Kansas.
A tornado was reported near Alta Vista, in Wabaunsee County, shortly after 8 p.m. The Sheriff’s Office reported damage to rural structures, but no injuries. A tornado was also reported by law enforcement southwest of Alma. Baseball sized hail was also reported in the area. Another tornado was reported near Rossville in Shawnee County.
Large hail was reported across northern and northeastern Kansas, with baseball sized hail reported in the Kansas City area, damaging cars and homes. The storms brought traffic to a halt on Interstate 70 for a time.
Other storms developed in northern Oklahoma and moved into southeastern Sumner County and Cowley and Butler counties. There were indications of winds up to 60 mph and possible quarter sized hail.
[ photo: Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office – Facebook ]