WICHITA, Kan. – A line of intense thunderstorms produced a destructive 101 mph wind gust at the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport early Tuesday morning, creating dangerous conditions as the storm system raced across central Kansas. The powerful winds are part of a larger severe weather event impacting the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, the 101 mph gust was recorded at 4:22 a.m., prompting immediate warnings for residents to take cover. Officials in Dodge City also reported severe thunderstorms capable of producing wind gusts in excess of 75 mph and hail one inch in diameter or larger. Those storms were located east of highway 283 between midnight and 6 a.m. Tuesday.
The high winds have the potential to cause significant damage to buildings, uproot trees, and knock down power lines, leading to possible widespread outages. Travel is expected to be hazardous, particularly for high-profile vehicles. Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor objects and stay away from windows.
The National Weather Service is actively seeking storm reports, including photos of wind damage and measurements of hail. The system is expected to continue moving east through the morning. Warnings and advisories remain in effect for a large portion of the state.
