WESTMORELAND, Kan. (WIBW) – Pottawatomie County officials confirm one person was killed when a tornado struck Westmoreland Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency officials say the tornado struck the city at 4:41 p.m. on April 30. Assessments continued Tuesday evening, but responders say the damage is “significant.”
At least 22 houses are destroyed. Authorities say the northern part of the city was hardest hit and that’s where the death occurred. They implemented a curfew to keep people away from damaged areas. Power will be restored when safety permits.
In addition to the person killed, three people are hospitalized with injuries. The person’s name is being withheld while notifications to family continue.
Authorities closed Highway 99 between Main and Campbell streets. Several first responders arrived in Westmoreland to conduct grid searches to catalog the damage and search for people who may have been injured. Shawnee Co. Emergency Management. said they would send a piece of equipment to help with the efforts.
Authorities asked people to stay away from the area. Updates will be provided when possible.
Additionally, the Kansas Highway Patrol is reporting damage to a church located in the 3600 block of K-4, north of Grantville. A fire chief reports that Grantville is in the process of cutting down numerous trees and branches in the town.
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