Russell, KS – Residents across northwestern Russell County and neighboring areas are being urged to seek shelter as severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail continue to impact the region Monday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, the severe weather warnings remain in effect for Russell County until 8 p.m. CDT, and for Ellsworth, Lincoln, and Saline counties until 8:15 p.m. CDT. At 7:45 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Russell and moving east at 10 mph. Equipment at Russell Municipal Airport reported wind gusts reaching 60 mph earlier in the evening.
The primary hazards reported are 60 to 70 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. The storms are expected to cause hail damage to vehicles, as well as wind damage to roofs, siding, trees, and mobile homes. Areas at risk include Russell, Gorham, Luray, Bunker Hill, Paradise, Waldo, Russell Airport, and Wilson Lake. Motorists on Interstate 70 between mile markers 175 and 196 are advised to use caution.
Farther southeast, severe weather is also threatening southern Lincoln, Ellsworth, and western Saline counties. According to the National Weather Service, a severe thunderstorm near Kanopolis was moving southeast at 25 mph as of 7:43 p.m., with 70 mph wind gusts and hail reported. Equipment indicated 60 mph winds at Ellsworth Municipal Airport, and officials warn of possible considerable tree and property damage.
Communities impacted include Salina, Ellsworth, Wilson, Kanopolis, Sylvan Grove, Brookville, and several others. Interstate travelers on I-135 near mile marker 94 and I-70 between mile markers 206 and 250 should remain alert. Torrential rain may also lead to flash flooding, and residents are urged not to drive through flooded roads.
For safety, officials recommend moving to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building until the storm passes.
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