Preliminary damage survey is showing that the tornado that ripped through Eureka Tuesday measured as an EF-3 tornado.
The estimated peak winds reached 152 mph. The storm’s path went an estimated 2.07 miles and was 250 yards wide. Eight people were injured during the storm, including one person critically injured.
Gov. Jeff Colyer toured the scene Wednesday evening and assessed the damage and resolve he’s seen in the community.
Colyer, who declared a state of emergency late Tuesday night says his office stands ready to help.
The City of Eureka will begin coordinated debris removal operations at 7 a.m. Thursday which will continue through the end of the day by 7 p.m.Residents of the affected area will need to follow specific guidelines to allow for the safe removal and disposal of debris. The operation will begin by making an initial pass through the affected area. The operation will work from north to south and east to west. A secondary pass may be made later in the day, depending on conditions and clean-up progress.
All storm debris will need to be placed curbside and divided into separate piles depending on the type of debris. Care should be made not to block the roadway to ease in the loading of debris; material should be placed as close to the curb line as possible. Residents are reminded to avoid placing debris in and around standing trees, utility poles, fire hydrants and other obstructions.
Specific guidelines on sorting the debris safely are as follows:
*Electronics- This will include televisions, computers, stereo equipment phones and DVD players.
*Large appliances- Refrigerators, washers/dryers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters and dishwashers.
*Hazardous waste- This will include oil, batteries, pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies and compressed gas cylinders.
*Vegetative debris- including tree branches, leaves logs and plants.
*Construction and storm debris- This will include building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture and plumbing equipment.
*Household garbage- including bagged garbage, discarded food, paper and packaging.
A full donation list is coming. Wunderlich says personal hygiene items and other personal items can be brought to 717 N. Main. Immediate needs also include equipment like chainsaws or trailers. Those can be taken to Eureka Downs.
There are now several options for donating money, including the Eureka Ministerial Alliance and the Growing Greenwood Relief Fund through the Emporia Community Foundation.
Spangles in Emporia is also accepting donations until Tuesday afternoon to be able to drive them down to Eureka. Types of items needed are cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, tarps, trash bags, water, personal care items and nonperishable food items.
Related story: How to help Eureka after Tuesday’s twister
Related story: Over 300 homes in damage path, nearly 80 damaged or destroyed
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
{gallery}Gov. Colyer tours Eureka tornado damage 2018{/gallery}
2018 tornado information/National Weather Service
2016 tornado information/National Weather Service
