Remembering deadly Haysville tornado 25 years later

VIDEO: Severe storms are no stranger to the Midwest. On this day in 1999, an F-4 tornado ripped through the heart of Haysville. The tornado touched down about four miles north of Wellington and tracked north for 24 miles, according to the National Weather Service. The storm was so powerful that winds were estimated between 207 to 260 miles per hour. Debris was found as far north as the College Hill area in Wichita. Overall, the tornado killed six people and damaged 150 homes and 27 businesses. At the same time, a significant tornado outbreak swept the Oklahoma City area. An F-5 twister touched down and was on the ground for nearly one hour, according to CNN. It followed along a 38-mile path from Chickasha through south Oklahoma City and the suburbs of Bridge Creek, Newcastle, Moore, Midwest City and Del City.
KAKE-TV ABC 10 Wichita

Lightning strike ignites fire at Fontana grain elevator

PHOTO: A fire caused by a lightning strike destroyed a portion of the Fontana grain elevator on the morning of Thursday, May 2. The first 911 call was made at 9:01 a.m., and firefighters from Miami County Fire District No. 1 in Fontana, Osawatomie, Louisburg and Paola were dispatched to the grain elevator, located on the south side of Dorman Ave. and Stephen St. near railroad tracks in Fontana, according to a news release from Miami County Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Whelan. Each unit responded with an engine and tender, and Louisburg also responded with a ladder truck. Whelan said the structure was fully involved when the first units arrived on scene at 9:32 a.m., and the building collapsed shortly after arrival. No injuries were reported in the fire, but the damage estimate is $500,000, Whelan said.
Miami County Republic - Metered Site

Wichita firefighters rescue dog that had fallen into storm drain

PHOTOS: Local firefighters were called to help rescue a dog that had fallen into a storm drain in southwest Wichita on Wednesday afternoon. The Wichita Fire Department says crews were dispatched to assist a concerned citizen who had observed a small dog fall into a storm drain in the area of MacArthur and Meridian. "Wichita's Bravest quickly assessed the situation and removed the dog from the storm drain just as the pup's owner arrived on the scene," WFD said. "We are happy to inform you that the dog was not injured!"
KAKE-TV ABC 10 Wichita

Fire causes thousands in damage to Topeka home

On Wednesday, the Topeka Police Department responded to a house fire that caused thousands in damage. At 6:30 a.m., Topeka Fire Department crews responded to reports of a house fire in the 800 block of SW Frazier Ave. Crews found a single-story home with smoke and flames coming from the roof. Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained before extinguishing it, according to a City of Topeka Spokeswoman. No injuries were reported and all occupants were able to escape the fire before firefighters arrived, according to the City of Topeka. No working smoke detectors were found in the home. The estimated loss from the fire was approximately $10,000.
KSNT-TV NBC 27 Topeka

Extensive damage, 1 confirmed death from Westmoreland tornado

VIDEO: Pottawatomie County officials confirm one person was killed when a tornado hit Westmoreland late Tuesday afternoon. Emergency officials say the tornado hit the city at 4:41 p.m. April 30. Assessments continued into Tuesday night, but responders say the damage is “extensive.” At least 22 houses are destroyed. Authorities say the northern part of the city was hardest hit, and is where the fatality occurred. They have implemented a curfew to keep people away from the damaged areas. Power will be restored as safety allows. In addition to the one person killed, three people are hospitalized with injuries. The name of the person is not being released while family notifications continue. Authorities have closed Highway 99 between Main St. and Campbell St.
KCTV CBS 5 Kansas City