Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency Monday, April 27 at 9:50 a.m. for the severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flooding that impacted the state during the period of April 25-27. This declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance if requested.
“Due to the severe storms and flooding that has impacted the state, I've declared a disaster emergency to ensure state assistance is readily available if needed," Governor Laura Kelly said.
Multiple rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms moved through Kansas from Saturday, April 25, through Monday, April 27. Damage impacted communities due to rain, damaging wind gusts with a few tornadoes, and heavy rainfall which created flash flooding and flooding.
The Kansas Division of Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center to a Level 2 – Partial Activation and will be monitoring the situation and will assist counties and local responders if requested. Emergency Support Function partners supporting the SEOC are the National Weather Service, Office of State Fire Marshal, Kansas Corporation Commission, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Department of Transportation and Kansas Highway Patrol.