Strong low pressure over the western high plains resulted in very strong southerly winds across central and south-central Kansas from the late morning through the afternoon on the 29th. Winds were sustained at around 40 mph at times, with periodic gusts to around 60 mph. Some relatively light damage occurred across the area, ranging from downed trees and tree limbs, to a downed power pole. Unfortunately, one boating fatality occurred in Marion County. Furthermore, the strong winds helped fan a 300 acre wildfire over Reno County.

High Wind in MCPHERSON, KANSAS
From 29-APR-11 11:40:00 to 29-APR-11 11:40:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Reported by: AWOS

Measured at the McPherson Airport.

High Wind in SEDGWICK, KANSAS
From 29-APR-11 11:51:00 to 29-APR-11 11:51:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Reported by: ASOS

Measured at Mid-Continent Airport.

High Wind in SEDGWICK, KANSAS
From 29-APR-11 11:54:00 to 29-APR-11 11:54:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

Measured by a KSN PinPoint WeatherLab at Maize High School.

High Wind in SEDGWICK, KANSAS
From 29-APR-11 12:00:00 to 29-APR-11 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

High winds downed a power pole onto a car near the intersection of Central and Woodlawn in East Wichita. Another utility pole was downed over Northeast Wichita. Dozens of reports of downed power lines were received. Also reported was a large tree downed over West Wichita, which destroyed a gazebo. Another downed tree damaged a car and a house in Midtown Wichita. Additionally, a large tree was downed near the intersection of Maple and Maize in West Wichita. Property damage amounts are rough estimates. The Wichita Eagle contributed to this report.

High Wind in RENO, KANSAS
From 29-APR-11 12:53:00 to 29-APR-11 12:53:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Reported by: ASOS

Measured at the Hutchinson Airport. Also, several tree branches were downed at Carey Park in South Hutchinson.

High Wind in BUTLER, KANSAS
From 29-APR-11 13:07:00 to 29-APR-11 13:07:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

High Wind in RENO, KANSAS
From 29-APR-11 13:31:00 to 29-APR-11 13:31:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Reported by: ASOS

Measured at the Hutchinson Airport.

Strong Wind in MARION, KANSAS
From 29-APR-11 12:41:00 to 29-APR-11 12:41:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

A 70-year old man was killed and two others injured when their boat on Marion Reservoir was swamped by 5 to 6 foot swells, created by strong southerly winds. All three men were wearing life jackets. Information courtesy of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Property damage amounts are rough estimates.

Wildfire in RENO, KANSAS
From 29-APR-11 09:00:00 to 29-APR-11 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Newspaper

Strong southerly winds fueled a 300 acre wildfire during the morning and afternoon on the 29th. The fire started from the rekindling of a controlled burn the day before, affecting locations near Highway 61, between 56th and 69th Avenues. At least 72 homes were notified to voluntarily evacuate. No known injuries or property damage occurred. The Salina Journal and Wichita Eagle contributed to this report.