Power Outage in Natoma, KS

Wildfire. Wind-driven wildfires affected a notable portion of southwestern Osborne County and also a small area in northwestern parts of the county. These fires started in the afternoon hours of the 15th, and while they were largely under control by the early morning of the 16th, small flare-ups were a concern for a few more days. The suspected cause of these fires was downed power lines due to strong winds, which gusted up to around 90 MPH at times. Approximately 11,200 acres were burned in the county, the vast majority of which occurred as part of the massive Four Counties Fire (which primarily impacted portions of Russell/Ellis counties just outside the local area). Within Osborne County, this fire mainly affected an area between 280th Drive and the Russell County line, south and southeast of Natoma (the northern edge of the fire got within 2-3 miles of town). In this large fire, two farmsteads were completely destroyed, numerous hay bales burned and at least 362 head of cattle were lost. Another much smaller fire occurred approximately one mile south-southwest of Natoma. Up in the northwest part of the county, another small fire occurred approximately 1-2 miles north-northwest of Alton. Although this fire did not burn any structures, it unfortunately contributed to a fatality when a 95-year old man attempted to drive through the smoke and his vehicle was subsequently overtaken by fire. In the wake of the fires, it was noted that the ground was scoured clean in some areas as the ferocious winds easily swept away soil where grass had burned away.

December 15, 2021

High Wind. Wind gusts estimated to be near 60 MPH resulted in tree damage and downed power lines across portions of the county, especially in the town of Osborne.

October 11, 2020

Tornado. This tornado initially developed in Russell County, tracking northeast into Osborne County around 5:23 PM CDT. This at times large tornado was observed by storm spotters, chasers and residents. Along its path, the tornado damaged several power poles, snapped and uprooted trees and overturned a grain cart. Three farmsteads were damaged, including a destroyed grain bin, outbuildings and sheds. The maximum wind speed was estimated to be 118 MPH.

May 28, 2019

Thunderstorm Wind. One power pole was snapped due to thunderstorm wind gusts estimated around 70 MPH. Severe wind gusts directly preceded the rain, as it blew all loose vegetation out of the pastures into the north-south oriented fences.

August 19, 2016

Tornado. This tornado, the second to affect Osborne County on this day, touched down approximately 4 miles south of Codell, moved northeast and lifted appoximately 2 miles southeast of Codell. Damage along its path was confined to trees, fencing and several power poles. The maximum wind speed was estimated to be 110 MPH.

May 08, 2016