An intense low pressure system moved across the Central Plains states producing wind gusts of 50 to 65 mph from mid-morning through much of the afternoon.  Blowing dirt reduced visibility locally to less than 1/4 mile at times.  Minor damage occurred across the region.  A 14-inch diameter tree was split in two, at least one accident on Interstate 70 in Thomas County was attributed to the high winds and reduced visibility. In addition, a semi-trailer was also blown over in I-70.

High Wind in CHEYENNE, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 11:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

High Wind in RAWLINS, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 10:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The wind gust was recorded at a mesonet site 4 miles north of Atwood.  In addition, the emergency manager reported visibility reduced to near zero at times in blowing dirt.

Dust Storm in RAWLINS, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 10:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Visibility was occasionally reduced to near zero in blowing dirt.  Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph were common across the county.

Dust Storm in DECATUR, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 10:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Visibility was occasionally reduced to near zero in blowing dirt on highway 36 between mile markers 74 and 79.  Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph were common across the county.

Dust Storm in THOMAS, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 10:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Visibility was occasionally reduced to near zero in blowing dirt.  Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph were common across the county.  A car accident on interstate 70 was attributed to the reduced visibility.

High Wind in DECATUR, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 11:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A 14-inch diameter tree was split in two as a result of strong winds.  Visibility was also reduced to around a half mile at times in blowing dirt, with other parts of the county experiencing visibility locally near zero.

High Wind in NORTON, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 13:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 59.00 MG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

High Wind in SHERMAN, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 10:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A mesonet station 4 miles west of Goodland also reported a peak wind gust of 58 mph.

High Wind in SHERMAN, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 09:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A semi-trailer was blown off Interstate 70 near Brewster as a result of strong wind and reduced visibility.

High Wind in SHERMAN, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 09:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A semi-trailer was blown off Interstate 70 near Brewster as a result of strong wind and reduced visibility.

High Wind in SHERIDAN, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 11:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Wind gusts were estimated near 60 mph based on nearby mesonet, ASOS and AWOS observations from neighboring counties.

High Wind in GRAHAM, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 13:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

High Wind in GOVE, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 11:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The wind gust was recorded at a mesonet site 5 miles ESE of Gove.

High Wind in LOGAN, KANSAS
From 18-OCT-12 11:00:00 to 18-OCT-12 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The wind gust was recorded at the Oakley AWOS site.