Damage to tree limbs, power lines reported after storm with high winds moves through Lawrence; several roads barricaded

Tornado, flash flood watches remain in effect for much of northeast Kansas

photo by: Nick Krug

Wind damage at Rock Chalk Park is inspected after severe thunderstorms moved through the Lawrence area Thursday afternoon, May 26, 2016. The Kansas University track teams are hosting the 2016 NCAA West Preliminary, Thursday through Saturday at Rock Chalk Park.

A severe thunderstorm that moved through Douglas County around 5 p.m. Thursday, continuing on and off throughout the evening, left broken tree limbs, downed power lines and flooded roads in its wake.

According to the National Weather Service in Topeka, the Lawrence area received more than 2.5 inches of rain throughout the day Thursday.

As of 8:30 p.m., more than 1500 Westar Energy customers were without electricity in Lawrence, according to the company’s website. According to the website, crews are working to restore power but it could be as late as noon Friday before all power is restored.

The Kansas Department of Transportation closed U.S. 24 Highway from Tee Pee Junction to U.S. Highway 24-59 in Jefferson County at 9 p.m. Thursday. Parts of U.S. Highway 24 near the Jefferson-Douglas County line were flooded around 8 p.m. Thursday, according to Jeremy Rodecap, fire chief of Jefferson County Fire District No. 3.

Lawrence Police said late Thursday night that barricades were in place on several county and city roads:

  • The 900-1000 block of North 900 Road;
  • The 900 block of North 1750 Road;
  • County Road 1, going west out of Lone Star Lake;
  • 11th and Haskell streets;
  • The 2300 block of Ousdahl Road;
  • The 2200 block of West 26th Street;
  • The intersection of 26th and 27th streets, just west of Iowa Street;
  • The Winterbrook area, near Clinton Parkway and Kasold Drive.

The Kansas River reached 15 feet shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday, according to the NWS. At 15 feet, Burcham Park on the south side of the river begins to flood.

The NWS forecast says the river could rise to 17 feet by Saturday. At 18 feet, Burcham Park is closed due to flooding.

Wind gusts reached 67 miles per hour at Lawrence Municipal Airport at 4:54 p.m. Thursday, according to the weather service. Douglas County Emergency Management and Lawrence police said they received numerous reports of damage to tree limbs and power lines.

A tornado watch is in effect for much of northeastern Kansas, including Douglas County, until 10 p.m. Thursday. A flash flood watch is in effect through Friday afternoon.

Several more rounds of thunderstorms are expected through Friday morning across north-central and northeast Kansas. Those areas have received heavy rainfall over the past several days, and additional storms could lead to flash flooding as well as overflow in streams and creeks, the NWS said.

A flash flood watch means conditions may develop that lead to flash floods.