County issues disaster declaration
By Chad Frey
Newton Kansan
The notice of an all-school closure for Newton USD 373 on May 20 went out at 5:28 a.m. that day.
At the time, Evergy was reporting more than 1,300 customers without power in the Newton area – and nearly 17,500 statewide – in the wake of a thunderstorm that featured gale force winds and a tornado in the area.
During the May 19 storm rain fell on a drought-stricken area (Harvey County has appeared on the U.S. Drought Monitor in a drought state for nearly two years) as wind speeds of 100 miles per hour were recorded during the storm.
Newton City/Public airport recorded wind gusts of 90 miles per hour around 7 p.m. May 19.
According to Newton Fire/EMS, the south side of Newton from about First Street South suffered tree damage and downed power lines. Newton Police Department used social media to encourage people to stay home as first responders started cleanup and power restoration efforts.
Initially Newton schools closed Chisholm Middle School due to damage to the building roof, and a gas line break.
Halstead EMS reported that a tornado did touch down near Halstead and struck part of the city of Halstead.
Harvey County Emergency Management and its emergency partners are assessing significant storm damage across the county from severe weather May 19.
No injuries have been reported in Harvey County at this time. Several damaged buildings have been reported throughout the county.
Burrton residents were asked to shelter in place due to a possible chemical leak at a damaged oil facility west of the city. The alert was issued just after 9 p.m. The order was lifted just after 11 p.m. U.S. Highway 50 remains was closed from Burmac Road into Reno County.
Other roadways in the county closed due to flooding, tree damage or power line damage included:
· North Burmac Road from U.S. 50 to Northwest 24th Street
· Southwest 36th Street between Halstead Road and Old Settlers Road
· North Spring Lake Road from U.S. 50 to West First Street
· North Golden Prairie Road from U.S. 50 to Northwest 24th Street
· North River Park Road from U.S. 50 to West First Street
At one time Evergy reported more than 10,000 customers affected in Harvey County, and Butler Electric reported 98 customers without power.
Harvey County has issued a verbal disaster declaration due to the weather damage.