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Severe Storms Rain Down on Kansas Save Email Print
Posted: 7:56 AM Jun 18, 2008
Last Updated: 8:08 AM Jun 18, 2008
Email Address: news@kake.com

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Severe storms rained down across Kansas early this morning, causing flooding, knocking out power and even starting fires.

At about 3 a.m., lightning caused two oil tanks to explode in Russell County, seven miles north of Gorham, said County Emergency Management Director Keith Haberer.

The fire destroyed the tanks and only the remnants are currently burning. Haberer said firefighters are letting the fire burn itself out, adding it should be out within the hour.

Power outages were also a significant part of this storm. Estimated 70 mph winds knocked out power to about 30 to 40 percent of Lyons, said Rice County Emergency Management Director Greg Klein. Power was out for an hour at most in the town. Most electricity is back online.

More than 2,000 Westar customers experienced blackouts in Harvey County, along with 1,200 customers in Sedgwick County at one point this morning. Those numbers are now down to 300 in Sedgwick County. Most power is restored in Harvey County.

Three-hundred customers remain without power in Sedgwick County, and most power is restored in Harvey County.

The rain also came packed with torrential rain, which drowned some streets in Wichita.

911 dispatchers said barricades have been set up from 9700 Blk. of 71st St. S. and 87th St. S. There were also reports of cars stalled around Pawnee and Edwards.

Kansas will get a break from the rainfall today, but KAKE Meteorologist Blake Smith said there are a chance for thunderstorms tonight. Highs around Wichita will reach the 80s; western Kansas could see 90s.

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