Statewide drought, severe storms, tornadoes, power outages, and recovery
Key Questions
What weather events affected Kansas in recent weeks?
Severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, and a heat wave impacted the state, with EF3+ tornadoes on May 18 and additional storms June 10-12. Governor Kelly issued a disaster declaration for Pottawatomie flooding, and over 100,000 lost power.
How many counties are under burn bans due to drought?
Burn bans are in effect for 105 counties amid statewide drought conditions, with 1M acres burned and Stage 1 drought declared. The Mead Complex fire is now contained.
What is the status of power restoration after recent storms?
Evergy reported 92k outages initially, with 91% restored as of recent updates. Restoration efforts continue alongside storm debris pickup starting June 15.
How much FEMA funding has been allocated for disaster recovery?
FEMA has provided $77M in post-disaster funding to support recovery from storms, tornadoes, and flooding across affected areas.
What events were canceled due to rainy weather on July 4?
The Spirit of Kansas Car Show, Blues fest, and MHK Cardboard Box Regatta were all canceled because of rain on Independence Day.
What heat-related warnings have been issued?
A heat advisory continues with indices up to 110°F, and KDHE warns of bats on the ground due to heat stress. AAA also cautions about vehicle battery failures in extreme heat.
What is the forecast for the week after July 4?
The forecast calls for a cooler, less humid start followed by warming and rain returning by midweek, with possible storms and slight severe risk noted later.
Are there any ongoing flood watches or air quality issues?
A flood watch was issued for June 24 with heavy rain expected June 25, and fog along with air quality concerns have been noted in recent updates.
Kelly drought proclamation; 105 counties burn bans; 1M acres burned; May18 EF3+ tornadoes; 92k Evergy outages; Stage 1 drought; Mead Complex contained. Severe storms June 10/12 with tornadoes, flooding. Governor Kelly disaster declaration for Pottawatomie flooding. Over 100,000 lost power; restoration ongoing. Storm debris pickup June 15. FEMA $77M post-disaster funding. Evergy 91% restored. Storm cleanup assistance program. Flood watch June 24; heavy rain June 25. Heat wave building with heat index up to 110°F. AAA warns of vehicle battery failures. KDHE warns of bats on ground due to heat stress. Updated July 3: Storms possible for July 4; heat advisory continues. Rainy July 4 caused cancellations of Spirit of Kansas Car Show, Blues fest, MHK Cardboard Box Regatta. Updated July 5: Forecast: cooler and less humid start, then warming with rain returning by midweek. Fog and air quality noted. New July 7: Routine Tuesday forecast: seasonal heat, humidity, slight severe risk Wednesday night. No major alerts, but heat index remains a concern.