Widespread very strong southerly winds affected much of central and south-central Kansas from the late morning through the afternoon hours on the 23rd, in response to a strong dry line and cold front approaching from the west and northwest. Widespread sustained wind speeds were between 40 and 45 mph, with numerous gusts around 60 mph. Structural damage was relatively minor, limited mainly to shingle and trim damage. However, a portion of the roof from the Wiley building in downtown Hutchinson peeled off, blocking off main street for a time. Many semi-trucks overturned on east-west running highways, including Highways 50 and 56, and Interstate 70. Several power poles and power lines were downed across the area, resulting in thousands of power outages. The downed power lines also ignited rapidly spreading grass fires. However, little is known regarding the coverage, magnitude or severity of these fires. As the afternoon progressed, strong to severe thunderstorms ignited along the advancing dry line and cold front, producing up to half dollar size hail, 70 mph winds and a handful of brief, relatively weak tornadoes.

High Wind in RENO, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 13:07:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 80.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Very strong winds inflicted roof damage to the Wiley building in downtown Hutchinson, blocking off main street for a time. Roof and shingle damage was reported 5 miles east of Sylvia, and two semi-trucks were blown over on Highway 50 between Yoder Road and K-96. At least six power poles were downed throughout the county, which caused several grass fires.

High Wind in KINGMAN, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 12:30:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 40.00 ES
Property damage: 5.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Periodic gusts likely approached 60 mph across the county.

High Wind in MCPHERSON, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 10:24:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 20.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Measured by AWOS equipment at the McPherson Airport. The strong winds downed a few power poles and power lines across the county. A semi-truck overturned near the intersection of Highway 153 and 61. The McPherson Sentinel contributed to this report.

High Wind in MARION, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 13:45:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 30.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Very strong winds downed a few power poles in Peabody, and another in Hillsboro. A semi-truck was blown over on Highway 56 just outside of Marion.

High Wind in SEDGWICK, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 11:30:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 41.00 MS
Property damage: 10.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Measured at the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport. Two-inch diameter tree limbs were downed near the Maple and West intersection in Wichita. Nearly 4,000 residents were without power for a time in Wichita due to downed power lines.

High Wind in BUTLER, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 12:00:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 36.00 MS
Property damage: 5.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Periodic wind gusts likely exceeded 55 mph across the county.

High Wind in SALINE, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 10:53:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 200.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Very strong winds blew over 6 semi-trucks along I-70 in Saline County, with 2 injuries resulting. Numerous power lines were downed across the county as well, 18 of which went down along Schilling Road in South Salina. Numerous vehicle windows were broken out due to downed tree limbs. Some structural damage occurred as well, mainly confined to shingles, siding, windows and doors. At least one grass fire occurred, likely caused by the downed power lines.

High Wind in RICE, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 11:51:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 10.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Very strong winds downed several power lines throughout the county, which likely spawned at least 5 grass fires.

High Wind in BARTON, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 12:13:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 20.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Very strong winds downed many power lines throughout the county, which caused several grass fires. Minor shingle and trim damage also occurred.

High Wind in ELLSWORTH, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 11:45:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 40.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

At least one semi-truck was blown over on I-70. The roof of a shed at a lumber supply company in Ellsworth was blown off. The Ellsworth County Independent Reporter contributed to this report.

High Wind in LINCOLN, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 12:33:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 40.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

High winds blew over semi-trucks on both I-70 and Highway 18.

High Wind in RUSSELL, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 10:53:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 10.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Numerous power outages occurred from the high winds, likely due to downed power poles and lines. Meanwhile, a grass fire spread rapidly 2 miles southeast of Bunker Hill around 14:30 CST. Details remain unknown regarding the extend or severity of the fire.

Tornado in COWLEY, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 16:35:00 to 23-MAR-09 16:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINFIELD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Brief touchdown in open country.

Hail in SEDGWICK, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 23:02:00 to 23-MAR-09 23:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: ANDALE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Hail in LABETTE, KANSAS
From 24-MAR-09 04:02:00 to 24-MAR-09 04:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDNA
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Winds to 70 mph also occurred.

Tornado in COWLEY, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 16:06:00 to 23-MAR-09 16:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARKANSAS CITY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 10.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Tree damage was noted along the Arkansas River.

Thunderstorm Wind in LABETTE, KANSAS
From 24-MAR-09 04:02:00 to 24-MAR-09 04:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDNA
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Quarter size hail occurred as well.

Tornado in SUMNER, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 16:00:00 to 23-MAR-09 16:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: GEUDA SPGS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Brief tornado touchdown in open country. Report courtesy of KAKE TV storm chaser.

Tornado in COWLEY, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 16:15:00 to 23-MAR-09 16:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINFIELD ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Brief touchdown in open country.

High Wind in COWLEY, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 11:23:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 10.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Periodic wind gusts likely exceeded 55 mph across the county.

High Wind in CHASE, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 14:39:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 5.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Periodic wind gusts likely exceeded 50 mph across the county.

Hail in SUMNER, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 15:56:00 to 23-MAR-09 15:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: GEUDA SPGS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Hail in COWLEY, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 16:13:00 to 23-MAR-09 16:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARKANSAS CITY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Hail in SALINE, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 16:59:00 to 23-MAR-09 16:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: GYPSUM
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in ELK, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 17:37:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOWARD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in SUMNER, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 15:44:00 to 23-MAR-09 15:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: SOUTH HAVEN
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Hail in SUMNER, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 15:51:00 to 23-MAR-09 15:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: GEUDA SPGS
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Hail in COWLEY, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 16:16:00 to 23-MAR-09 16:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINFIELD ARPT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Hail in SALINE, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 16:59:00 to 23-MAR-09 16:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: GYPSUM
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in MARION, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 21:20:00 to 23-MAR-09 21:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOST SPGS
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in SEDGWICK, KANSAS
From 23-MAR-09 22:57:00 to 23-MAR-09 22:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: VALLEY CENTER
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public