WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A tornado that hit Andover Friday night affected about 1,000 structures. The Andover Fire Department said the number is expected to rise as they conduct further evaluations.
“We now know that our damage path extended approximately four miles, three and a half to four miles north of where we believed it ended last night,” Andover Deputy Fire Chief Mike Roosevelt said at noon.
So far, there have been no deaths from the storm. Roosevelt said crews continue to search for victims. They are doing a primary and secondary search, even a third search in some cases. He said they are about 70% complete on secondary searches.
The search area is inside and outside the Andover city limits. Andover Fire Chief Chad Russell said the search for victims began in Sedgwick County.
“We had damage and injuries in Sedgwick County,” Russell said. “So it started there and went up to about 60th in Butler County, so we’re working all the way down.”
VIDEO: Officials provide update during noon press conference
Authorities in Andover continue to say there were only four minor injuries. However, Via Christi St. Francis said it received six storm patients and four were admitted. He noted that not all of the victims were from the Andover storm.
A hospital spokesman said one person from the Andover storm is in critical condition. He also has a patient seriously injured in a storm near Bavaria, west of Salina. The other two patients are in good condition. The spokesman said most of the injuries were from falls when people were exiting storm shelters.
Russell said there are neighborhoods where houses have been “completely wiped off their foundations.”
Police Chief Buck Buchanan said the Kansas Highway Patrol flew over the scene to assess the damage from the air. Officials have also used drones to survey the damage.
The FAA has now established a no-fly zone for the city of Andover and points to the north and east. The rule also applies to private drone owners. The concern is that the drones could fly away from their owners and land on victims or first responders.
The tornado that struck Andover first developed in the southeastern Wichita area before moving northeast.
KSN Meteorologist Ronelle Williams captured video of the tornado in its early stages near her home as it approached Andover.
Chief Chad Russell, Andover Fire Department, said sirens sounded before the tornado hit.
“It sped up really fast. I was watching the weather very closely, and as soon as the warning could be sent, I was out there,” Russell said.
Terry Herl owns a mobile home park in the Andover area.
“We were outside when it happened. It seemed, have you ever seen one of those earth demons? That’s what it looked like, but then it got big,” Herl said. “This is really shattered here.”
Jason Knipp was at work when the tornado sirens sounded Friday night. He escaped injury and managed to capture video of the tornado as it passed by.
“It was crazy!” Knipp said. “Everyone was standing out there having a good time, and nothing was happening, then all of a sudden, ‘bam,’ it just happened.”
Forrest and Amanda Morrow lived next to the damaged houses. They trust that the reconstruction period will come sooner rather than later.
“I think we will rebuild over time,” Forrest said. “It’s going to take a long time, but I have no doubts about it. People like to live in this area.”
Andover wasn’t the only city in Butler County to take a hit. So did Rosalía, about 32 miles northeast of Andover. Rosalía resident Erik Sorum told KSN that many of his neighbors’ houses and barns were severely damaged.
“You know, everyone says it sounds like a train,” Sorum said. “It sounded like a train.”
Damage to the Andover YMCA
The YMCA in Andover was severely damaged in the storm. The Andover YMCA is part of the Greater Wichita YMCA. A spokesperson sent an update around 11:15 a.m. Saturday saying the leadership team is still assessing the damage. The statement said:
“We are extremely proud of our employees at Andover Y, who saved lives by reacting quickly to this crisis situation last night. Employees who were both on and off duty had only a few minutes to react and get everyone to safety before the tornado hit the building.”
Electricity, gas, water, road upgrade
Overnight, 15,000 Evergy customers lost power. By Saturday noon, the number had dropped to 1,200. The company said all of its available crews are working in the area to replace downed power lines and poles.
Some of those downed poles are on US Highway 54. Due to the damage, the highway was closed from Andover Road to Santa Fe Lake Road. Around 1:30 p.m. Saturday, eastbound lanes reopened. However, it could be a couple of days before westbound lanes reopen.
The Kansas Department of Transportation is diverting traffic west on Santa Fe Lake Road. Drivers can go north to 21st Street or Kansas Highway 254 to get to Wichita.
All other major highways in Andover are open.
“We’re just policing the neighborhoods,” said Capt. Ben Graber of the Andover Police Department. “We have security there. I just ask that people stay away from Andover for now.”
Deputy Fire Chief Roosevelt said gas and water crews are on scene. As of noon Saturday, there are no active gas or water leaks. Workers will remain in the area doing spot checks.
If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately, then call 911.
Kansas Gas Service said it does not anticipate restoring service to the Reflection Lake area until more storm cleanup is complete. Meanwhile, crews perform security checks and turn devices back on when possible. KGS technicians wear company logo clothing, yellow safety vests and carry identification.
volunteers/donations
The City of Andover is not yet allowing volunteers into the damaged area. Residents will be allowed in if they show identification at the Reflection Lakes check-in location. Volunteers may be allowed in after the secondary search is complete.
United Way of the Plains has established a disaster relief fund for victims of Friday’s storm. Click here if you need help or if you want to offer help.
Another option is to text “teamwork” to 41444 to give on the go from your phone. Or mail a check made out to United Way of the Plains with “Disaster Relief Fund” in the memo, to 245 N. Water St., Wichita, KS 67202.
Corporate donations can be coordinated with Anne Chandler, Vice President of Philanthropy. Contact her at [email protected] or (316) 267-1321 ext. 4213.
Those in need of assistance with shelter, basic needs or cleanup should dial 211, United Way’s information and referral service, to connect with available resources.
Roosevelt said that people who feel compelled to donate items or make more should call 211.
first responders
“We currently have about 200 first responders who continue to actively work in the area,” Roosevelt said at noon.
He said they are from more than 30 agencies, including the Wichita Police, Wichita Fire Department and McConnell Air Force Base.
“It’s been almost perfect,” he said.
government response
Governor Laura Kelly has declared a disaster state of emergency, activating the disaster response and recovery portions of Kansas’ disaster response plan.
“We have learned from past experience that we cannot wait for the storm to arrive before responding. By taking these steps early, we are able to react more quickly when counties request assistance,” Kelly said.
Senator Jerry Moran responded shortly after the storm hit, saying, “Praying for the safety of everyone in Andover and Wichita. I am monitoring the situation and receiving reports of tornado damage. Please take cover as there are more storms in Kansas.”
And Ron Estes said: “There is a lot of damage in our area tonight after severe weather and tornadoes. Susan and I are praying for all those affected and are grateful for the first responders helping our community.”
next update
Andover officials plan to make their next update at 4:30. KSN will broadcast it live here on KSN.com
Reference-www.ksn.com