UPDATE: Power outage numbers continue to improve locally

Following the earlier round of severe weather Saturday, crews have restored power to numerous customers with just a few remaining in the dark for the time being.

Wind gusts nearing 90 mph hit the Emporia Municipal Airport shortly before noon, prompting widespread outages for Westar Energy customers:

The number of affected customers has improved significantly locally.

*Emporia: 118
*Cottonwood Falls/Strong City: Fewer than 5

Lyon-Coffey reported around 55 outages, mainly individual outages from Emporia southwest into eastern Chase County.

In addition, numerous branches, tree limbs and even whole trees were downed by the high winds just in Emporia. Other damage:

Emporia

*Camper overturned in a yard near 24th and Graphic Arts

*Minor tree damage to Emporia Golf Municipal Golf Course

Olpe

*Garage door blown apart and pushed down a street

Southwest Lyon County

*At least two homes damaged. One of the homes had shingles blown off house and the top of a 24-by-48-foot hoop house blown away

Major street/road closures

Emporia

*2900 block of west 12th ave

*West sixth from Industrial to Graphic Arts
*15th at Industrial

Lyon County

*800 block of Road 160 (Lockerman Road)

Chase County

*Power outages reported in the Strong City and Cottonwood Falls with 2 powerlines confirmed down.

Wind gust reports:

*Emporia Municipal Airport: 86 mph
*Eureka: 60-65 mph
*Olpe area: Nearly 90 mph (estimated)

Lyon County Emergency Management reports several roads recently re-opened to traffic after two rounds of flooding earlier this month now have water back on them. However, none of the recently-reopened roads are being closed due to flooding. The Lyon County Highway Department is working to reopen roads closed because of Saturday’s tree damage. That list has not been announced.

Rain totals

*KVOE studios: 1.4 inches
*Camp Alexander: 1.14 inches

Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected at times areawide through Saturday evening.

In terms of when to call the city for the removal of debris city residents need to call private businesses if limbs are on private property. If trees/limbs are blocking streets, call 343-4225. if trees are on sparking lines, call 911.

Stay with KVOE and KVOE.com for updates. Join KVOE’s social media accounts on Twitter@kvoeam1400 or Facebook@kvoenews for instant weather and travel alerts if you have not already done so. If you have schedule adjustments, call 342-1400 or email kvoe@kvoe.com. If you have storm reports or photos, message the Bluestem Farm and Ranch text line at 620-342-5863 or post to KVOE’s Facebook page.