Tragedy struck the small town of Westmoreland in northeastern Kansas on Tuesday afternoon when a tornado tore through the area, leaving one person dead and three others injured. The tornado hit the town around 4:50 p.m., causing significant damage to the community.
According to a spokesperson from Pottawatomie County, the victim's identity has not been released as authorities are still in the process of notifying their next of kin. The three injured individuals did not require hospitalization, as confirmed during a news conference held by county officials.
Pottawatomie County Sheriff Shane Jager described the extent of the tornado's impact, stating that it severely damaged approximately 22 houses, rendering them uninhabitable. Additionally, 13 other homes, one business, three RVs, and several outbuildings were destroyed in the storm's wake.
Among the damaged structures were the Pottawatomie County administration buildings in Westmoreland, highlighting the widespread destruction caused by the tornado. A curfew was implemented in the town starting at 9:30 p.m. to ensure public safety and aid in recovery efforts.
The Kansas Highway Patrol joined the search and rescue operations in Westmoreland, deploying troopers to assist with house-to-house searches. Technical Trooper Jodi Clary emphasized the importance of these efforts in the aftermath of the tornado.
Electricity was knocked out in the city due to the storm, prompting utility crews to work diligently to restore power to the affected areas. Westmoreland, located approximately 60 miles northwest of Topeka, faced significant challenges in the tornado's aftermath as residents and officials worked together to assess the damage and provide support to those impacted by the disaster.
