Power Outage in Iola, KS

A mixture of freezing rain and sleet fell across the county. A Coop observer in Moran reported a tenth of an inch of freezing rain on trees and power lines.

A mixture of freezing rain and snow fell across the county during the morning hours. The storm began as freezing rain, with two tenths to a quarter of an inch of glazing on elevated surfaces. Power outages were reported due to the freezing rain on power lines in Iola and La Harpe, Kansas. Law enforcement in Iola reported a quarter of an inch of ice on elevated surfaces. Snowfall amounts were around one inch.

Freezing rain produced around 0.25 inch of glaze on trees and power lines 5 miles east southeast of Humboldt and around 0.12 inch 2 miles east of Iola. In several areas, the power lines began to sag. Glazing did not occur on roads and highways.

Several snapped power poles were reported.

A power pole was blown down on the northeast side of town.

Power lines were reported down along with debris in the road.

Winds estimated from 60-70 mph downed trees and power lines, causing power outages. Windows were broken in an unspecified number of houses.

Six to eight inches of snow fell across the county, from the second powerful storm to hit the county in less than a week.

A periodic wintry mix of rain and freezing rain affected the county from the morning hours on the 27th into the morning hours on the 28th. The wintry mix eventually changed over to snow during late morning hours on the 28th and persisted through the afternoon hours. Widespread ice accumulations ranged from one-tenth to one-half inch, highest across the northwest half of the county. Total snow accumulations on top of the ice ranged from 2 to 5 inches countywide. Stout north to northeast winds resulted in reduced visibilities in falling and blowing snow. The weight of the ice in concert with the stout winds downed numerous tree limbs along with some power poles and power lines, which caused widespread power outages. The community of LaHarpe lost water service on the 29th for a good portion of the day due to ongoing power outages. The Iola Register contributed to this report.

A power pole was snapped off 2 miles east southeast of La Harpe.

Damage summary: 4NW Iola: Oil tank toppled, farm vehicle flipped over, several trees shreaded, and power poles snapped.

Windows blown out of unspecified number of cars and businesses. Trees and power lines downed.

Dairy farm hit. Damage summary: Roof blown off a machine shop, a lean-to blown over, downed power lines, and most of the cattle pens that were tossed. One head of cattle sustained minor injuries. One quarter mile east of the dairy farm, a delivery truck was blown onto it's side.

Power poles downed.

Estimated winds speeds of 52-65kts blew down large trees and power lines.

A powerful area of low pressure approaching from the southwest spawned severe thunderstorms across East-Central and Southeast Kansas during the evening hours of February 28th.