NWS Investigates Strong Storms in Western Kansas
SHARON SPRINGS, Kan. (AP) — National Weather Service officials were in western Kansas Saturday to assess damage from a strong storm and a possible tornado that damaged buildings in Sharon Springs and elsewhere. Authorities say the late Friday storm rolled through numerous Kansas cities, including Grainfield, Mingo, and Winona. Large hail was reported in Leoti, Colby, Holcomb, Ulysses, Hugoton, and Garden City. There were no immediate reports of injuries. Sharon Springs, located in far western Wallace County, seem to take the brunt of the damage. Photos posted on social media sites show roofs on large buildings that are caved in or gone and debris scattered around city streets. State Representative Adam Smith referred to the weather as “tornadic activity.”
==========
Wildfires Force Evacuations in SW Nebraska
CAMBRIDGE, Neb. (AP) — Crews were making progress fighting wildfires that forced people in several communities in just over the Nebraska border to evacuate, authorities said Saturday. The fires pushed by strong winds threatened mostly rural areas hit hard this spring by drought, although residents in the town of Cambridge were the first ones asked to evacuate Friday evening. The community of about 1,000 people is located near Arapahoe, where wildfires burned nearly 35,000 acres earlier this month. Wildfires were reported Friday from the Kansas border to the Cambridge area, with a smaller blaze between Cambridge and Stockbridge. Authorities said Saturday morning that conditions had improved, although the risk of fires and significant blowing dust are still possible.
==========
Fire in Independence Home Injures 4, 2 Critically
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — Authorities said a fire in an Independence residence with 11 people in the household left four people hurt, including two juveniles. The Independence Fire Department responded to a call just after 8:30 a.m. Saturday and discovered heavy smoke coming from the front door. The four injured were transported to a hospital, where two of them are listed in critical condition. The Kansas City Star reports that the fire was put out just before 9 a.m. City officials says investigators are looking into the cause of the blaze.