Dodge City, Kan. – Wind gusts topping 70 mph are ripping through central Kansas tonight, knocking out power and making highways dangerous from Hays to Dodge City.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, a High Wind Warning remains in effect until 2 a.m. Thursday for Ellis, Ford, Finney, and surrounding counties. Sustained winds between 25 and 35 mph, with gusts reaching 70 mph, are downing trees, toppling power lines, and threatening widespread outages across western and central parts of the state.
Hardest-hit areas include Hays, Garden City, Dodge City, and Scott City. Kansas Highway 96 and U.S. Route 283 may see hazardous travel conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles such as trucks and RVs. Residents in Pawnee and Rush counties have also reported fallen debris and flickering lights.
Emergency officials urge Kansans to stay indoors, avoid windows, and remain on lower floors until winds subside. If travel is necessary, drivers should use extreme caution and be alert for debris.
This is the most significant wind event in the region since March’s late-season storm. Additional wind advisories could follow for eastern Kansas as the system pushes east overnight.
Warnings stay active until 2 a.m. CDT Thursday. Stay tuned to local alerts for power restoration updates and road conditions.
