Winds causing tree limbs to blow into powerlines, Evergy warns of dangers; tornado watch issued for Douglas County

Article updated at 5:35 p.m. Monday, May 30:

Evergy wants to remind people to report powerlines that have blown into tree limbs or become entangled with trees.

“Coming into contact with a limb or other debris that is in contact with a power line can cause injury and could be fatal,” according to a Monday news release from the company.

“Windy conditions and storms, which are predicted in the area, can also cause downed powerlines. Always assume a downed line is energized and maintain a 35 foot minimum distance.”

The release did not cite any specific locations of reported downed lines, but much of Kansas was seeing strong wind Monday afternoon.

Evergy crews can safely remove the lines. To make a report of a downed powerline in the Lawrence area, call Evergy Kansas Central at 1-800-LIGHTKS (1-800-544-4857). Power outages can be reported and tracked online at evergy.com/outage.

The National Weather Service in Topeka was monitoring for developing storms, moving east from central Kansas Monday afternoon and into Monday evening.

Severe weather remains possible for Douglas County through the evening and overnight hours, according to the county’s Emergency Management. Large hail and damaging winds are the greatest threat, but “a tornado or two cannot be ruled out,” according to DCEM.

Update, 5:31 p.m.: The NWS issued a tornado watch for several counties in Kansas, including Douglas County, effective from 5:23 p.m. Monday through 1 a.m. Tuesday. Scattered hail up to apple size was possible, along with scattered wind gusts up to 75 mph.

Keep up with the latest from the National Weather Service at this link. The NWS is also on Twitter and Facebook. Local information is also available via Douglas County Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. See this link for tips on hazardous weather preparation.

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