Power Outage in Atwood, KS

Emergency management reported that there were numerous power outages in Rawlins County, including in McDonald and Atwood around 7 PM local time on the evening of the 28th. Light freezing rain had been observed the previous day on the 27th with the Goodland, KS ASOS (KGLD) recording 0.15 inches of ice accumulation, with an additional 0.05 inches of ice measured by the KGLD ASOS on the evening of the 28th. Winds on the 28th then gusted to about 40 mph which was enough to cause power outages as ice-covered power lines succumbed to the gusty winds.

Thunderstorm wind damage was reported in Atwood with lots of trees down and power out in the city.

The power outage from downed power lines may have lasted beyond 6 PM CST.

Winds from a thunderstorm blew down power lines. No information given as to how many poles were damaged.

Near zero visibility reported in the southern part of the county. Around 4 inches of snow was reported across the county. Power flickers were reported in Atwood during the blizzard.

Fourteen power lines were broken off along CR 23 southeast of Atwood.

Trees, big limbs, and power lines blown down by the thunderstorm winds. No details on the number or trees, limbs, or power poles blown down were provided.

Atleast three inches of snow per hour were occurring near Herndon. Near zero visibility was reported near Herndon and near Atwood. Cedar trees 50 ft. tall 7 NW of Atwood had lost almost all of their branches, with diameters of the limbs ranging from 6-8 inches. A dead tree standing for 67 years with a diameter of four and a half feet fell over. Power is out for many across the county, with some still without power the day after the storm. Four people were rescued from stranded cars, 40 people had to shelter in place in Atwood. Fifteen inches of snow was reported 8 SSE of Atwood, with potentially a few more inches toward the southeast part of the county. Snowfall amounts declined to the northwest, with almost no snow reported over the far northwest corner of the county. A federal disaster was declared by President Donald J. Trump.

Emergency manager reported that a wildfire occurred near Herndon, KS. It was possibly started from downed power lines due to high winds. The fire did burn a farmstead. The house was saved but farm structures (a shop) and equipment (tractors and implements) were lost. Uncertain on exact times and damage amounts.

Tornado developed near Roads K, 27 and dissipated near Roads P, 28. Power poles were broken, with one residence receiving outbuilding and window damage.

Power poles down on Highway 25.

Power pole knocked down by wind.

Dozen power lines down. Some windows broken in buildings.

Power lines down. Five-inch tree branches down.

Power lines down. Semi overturned.

The strong winds blew down 1 to 2 inch tree limbs. Also, the power was out near Atwood.

During the latter half of the morning, high winds in northeast Rawlins County knocked down power lines near Herndon. These winds occurred on the backside of a closed upper level low pressure over Kansas. The estimated gust was 70 MPH.