The National Weather Service says a tornado that hit Baxter Springs yesterday (SUN) was an EF-2 with winds of up to 135 miles per hour. Teams that have surveyed the damage in the southeast Kansas town say it was roughly 150 yards wide. The twister wrecked more than 100 homes and businesses and injured 25 people. Emergency responders from around the state are assisting in the recovery effort. Shawnee County Emergency Management Director Dave Sterbenz (STIR-bens) told WIBW radio that workers from his office are on the scene.
No deaths in Baxter Springs have been officially connected with the storm. Governor Sam Brownback and Representative Lynn Jenkins visited the area today (MON) to get a first-hand look at the damage.