In brief
Communities in the Midwest and Plains are bracing for another wave of severe weather that threatens to bring large hail, tornadoes, and damaging winds. After storms caused damage and minor injuries in Kansas and Minnesota, local authorities are assessing the fallout as they prepare for future threats over the coming days.
OTTAWA, Kan. (AP) — Following a weekend of severe storms that wreaked havoc in the Plains and the Midwest, meteorologists warn that regions could again face threats from giant hail, tornadoes, and severe wind gusts on Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Authorities in Kansas reported multiple minor injuries after storms swept through the area on Monday. In rural Franklin County, around 50 miles southwest of Kansas City, three individuals suffered minor injuries, according to the local sheriff's office. Ottawa, a city with a population of approximately 13,000, saw significant structural damage but fortunately reported no fatalities. Damaged infrastructure included downed power lines, fallen trees, and destruction to local businesses.
As a response to the storm's impact, a National Weather Service survey team will be on-site in Ottawa on Tuesday to assess potential tornado activity, noted meteorologist Chelsea Picha from the Topeka office.
In Miami County, adjacent to Franklin County, authorities reported minor injuries and considerable damage, with some homes destroyed and recreational vehicles overturned. Cleanup efforts were underway, and power outages affected multiple areas until safe conditions were established.
Further north in Minnesota, three tornadoes touched down, resulting in damage primarily to agricultural land. Reports of baseball-sized hail causing vehicle damage were also noted, according to Twin Cities meteorologist Jake Beitlich.
In Wisconsin, a small tornado near Gilman was reported, but damage was reported to be minimal. Meteorologists are still assessing the tornado's rating. In the village of Steuben, storms caused the roof of a manufactured home to detach, though no injuries have been recorded.
Schools in the Madison area faced temporary closures on Tuesday morning due to power outages affecting over 25,000 customers across Wisconsin, as reported by poweroutage.us.
Meanwhile, significant river and stream flooding is expected throughout the week in the Upper Great Lakes region, with the heaviest rainfall projected overnight into Wednesday. In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex amid rising water levels due to March's record snowfall followed by heavy rain. State officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
