Power Outage in Sharon Springs, KS

A damaging quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) tornado moved across Sharon Springs, Kansas during the late evening/overnight hours of April 22nd, 2022. Maximum winds were found to be around 110 mph, which makes this tornado an EF-1, just short of an EF-2. The worst damage was noted at the KDOT station near Highway 40 where a cinder block building was toppled and a truck shed was completely destroyed, as well as the CHS facility where the office building had its roof completely torn off. Throughout town, there were many tree limbs broken, tree trunks broken, and trees uprooted. Many buildings and vehicles had broken windows. Power poles were broken or downed throughout town. Other damage included several rolled trailers (ag-related, RVs, or work trailers), fences blown down, shingles off roofs, and other wind-related damage.

Two rounds of high winds occurred across Wallace County. Mesonets across the county recorded wind gusts of 58-87 mph, with the strongest recorded gust located near Sharon Springs, Kansas. There was a range of damage across the county, but mostly in Sharon Springs. Up to 6 pivot irrigation systems were blown over along with a portion of corral and pasture fencing. Up to 8 power poles were damaged, 4 in Sharon Springs. Additional damage included Christmas decorations blown away, fencing blown over, a carport, and the tin roof of a house. The wind gusts capable of this degree of damage were estimated to be up to 100 mph.

The primary damage produced by this tornado occurred at the Sharon|Springs Golf Course, just south of town. At this location, some|tree limbs were snapped, a power pole was leaning, and several|small outbuildings had metal roofs ripped off, walls knocked down,|or garage doors blown in. In addition, a nearby combine had broken|windows and a tractor trailer had at least two wood beams|penetrate the door. Along the rest of the tornado path, broken|tree branches were noted in a couple different locations.

The primary damage produced by this tornado occurred at the Sharon|Springs Golf Course, just south of town. At this location, some|tree limbs were snapped, a power pole was leaning, and several|small outbuildings had metal roofs ripped off, walls knocked down,|or garage doors blown in. In addition, a nearby combine had broken|windows and a tractor trailer had at least two wood beams|penetrate the door. Along the rest of the tornado path, broken|tree branches were noted in a couple different locations.

Southwest to west-southwest winds up to 3 mph combined with cold temperatures as cold as 11 below produced wind chills as low as 21 degrees below zero across Wallace. The coldest wind chills were observed near Weskan, Kansas. Impacts: power outages.

Significant wind damage from a supercell continued in the Sharon Springs vicinity as well. A metal building structure was destroyed. Several tree limbs and power poles were snapped in this location.

Public sent pictures of a tree uprooted and down in a yard onto the road. Large trees and power poles snapped in Sharon Springs, as well as damage to a covered patio and fence. Structural material torn off building and blown against a home.

Wildfire started just north of the town of Weskan. Cause was power lines snapped due to high winds with the cold front. Fire ran 7 miles to the southeast and reached approximately three quarters of a mile wide at times. Fire was detected by GOES-16 imagery as well as radar. At least two structures were lost along with numerous power poles. Damage to railroad and railroad bridge also noticed by NWS Employee passing through a few days later.

Near zero visibility reported across the county. The entire county was without power. Some had receive power the day after the storm, but many were still in the dark. Many wrecks, slide-offs, and rescues were reported. Snowfall totals ranged from 8 to 28 inches, with the highest snow amount in Wallace. A federal disaster was declared by President Donald J. Trump.

Two irrigation pivots were overturned, power lines blown down, dead trees uprooted and minor damage to two farm houses. Time estimated from Doppler radar.

Power poles broken near Road X and Road 26. Otherwise, no known damage as the tornado was over open fields. Tornado began near Roads O, 22 and dissipated near Roads Z, 27.

Power lines down, siding off house.

Zero visibility in blowing dirt. Power outage and tree damage reported in Sharon Springs and Weskan. Winds estimated around 75 mph.

8-inch diameter limbs broken. A semi truck was rolled over on a highway. Several power poles broken, numerous lightning fires started. Winds were estimated at 80 mph.

Power poles snapped.

Roof damage. Power poles down.

Power poles down, 4 buildings at airport heavily damaged.