Power Outage in Smith Center, KS

The end time of these strong winds is unknown, as the AWOS was inoperable following this gust. The cooperative observer in Smith Center reported that large tree limbs and power were downed.

Wind gusts estimated at 80 MPH resulted in 17 power poles being damaged or destroyed in the area of the intersection of Highways 9 and 281 just east of Gaylord. Further south near Harlan along Highway 281, a couple grain bins were destroyed and a church suffered minor roof damage.

Late on this Friday afternoon, a narrow line of strong to severe thunderstorms erupted across portions of North Central Kansas, resulting in at least one localized zone of wind damage. In southern Smith County, winds estimated to around 80 MPH downed 17 power poles along Highway 281 north of Harlan, while in the community of Harlan itself, a few grain bins were destroyed. Storms first started bubbling up into the six-county area as early as 3 to 5 PM CDT, mainly in Rooks County. The primary development then took place between 530 and 630 PM, as a narrow, broken line of storms materialized between Jewell County and northern Rooks County, including those that affected the Harlan area. These storms steadily weakened as they sagged southeast, and the entire six-county area was precipitation free by around 830 PM. ||The main axis of convection initiated near a southwest-northeast oriented surface trough axis, and along the northern edge of a plume of steep low-level lapse rates. At the surface, temperature-dewpoint spreads were on the order of 25 to 30 degrees, helping facilitate the development of damaging winds. Mesoscale parameters across North Central Kansas late in the afternoon featured 1000-2000 J/kg mixed-layer CAPE, but barely 30 knots of deep layer vertical wind shear. In the mid levels, a subtle shortwave passed from northwest to southeast through the area, directed along the eastern periphery of an expansive ridge centered near the Four Corners.

Winds of 40 to 60 mph combined with 2 to 5 inches of snow resulted in a blizzard which raged across parts of north central Kansas on November 28. In open country, "white out" conditions were reported throughout the event. Numerous highways were impassable during the storm. There were several reports of minor auto accidents and sporadic power outages during the storm. The wind whipped the snow into drifts 10 to 15 feet high in some places.

Wind gusts estimated at 100 mph caused considerable damage in the town of Gaylord just before 7 pm CDT. The wind was a result of a wet microburst from a storm located just east of Gaylord. Homes and businesses on the east side of town sustained the most damage; including considerable tree damage, windows blown out, and minor structural damage. Considerable damage occurred at the local grain and fertilizer companies. Warehouses and grain bins were destroyed. Power was not restored in town until six hours later.