TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Storms that packed at least nine confirmed tornadoes, hail and heavy rain left behind damage in Kansas counties but no fatalities or major injuries. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management says the storm moved from south to north Wednesday, leaving damage in Harvey, Sedgwick, Jewell, Lincoln and Republic counties. The worst damage appeared to be in Republic County, in north-central Kansas on the Nebraska border. Emergency management officials reported five homes and an ethanol plant near Scandia were damaged and a feedlot operation also was struck, killing up to 150 cattle. Other damage reports include one home destroyed and another damaged near Mankato in Jewell County, two homes damaged in Sedgwick County and damage to outbuildings, power lines and trees in other counties. At least nine tornadoes were confirmed in north-central Kansas Wednesday evening.
The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center says 6 to 9 inches of rain fell across the Oklahoma City area over the past two days. In all, more than 50 tornadoes were reported as storms hit Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and North Texas. Forecasters predict severe weather across the nation's middle region through Saturday.
